FIFA signs with CCTV

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) signed a landmark deal with China Central Television (CCTV) last week, authorizing the station and its website to broadcast FIFA tournaments from now until 2014, including the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

"FIFA is delighted to have reached such a significant agreement with CCTV," FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said after the contract was announced on Thursday in Beijing. "We believe this is the start of long-term cooperation which will help to further strengthen football in China and make it even more popular."

The contract ensures the world's most popular sport will be broadcast throughout the country.