FYI - "Fox Soccer Channel has acquired the rights to telecast 12 friendly matches of Brazil's national team over the next three years." Just read about this in today's NY Times. No further information was given.
The press release as carried by Business Wire: Fox Soccer Channel Acquires Exclusive Rights to 12 Brazilian National Team Friendly Matches Through 2008 Premiere Telecast Features Brazil vs. Ecuador Live on Tuesday, October 10 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fox Soccer Channel, America’s premier television soccer destination, today announced it has entered into a three-year pact with the Brazilian Football Federation for the exclusive television rights to 12 Brazilian National Team friendly matches through 2008. As part of the agreement, which includes all-language television, high-definition and video-on-demand rights for the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, Fox Soccer Channel will telecast two matches in 2006, as well as approximately five matches each year in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Live and exclusive coverage kicks off Tuesday, October 10 at 2:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. PT, and features five-time FIFA World Cup Champion Brazil on the pitch against Ecuador. Coverage continues on Wednesday, November 15 with Brazil’s encounter against Switzerland. A complete telecast schedule will be announced at a later date. “We are delighted to partner with the Brazilian Football Federation to bring our viewers unrivaled live and exclusive coverage of the Brazilian National Team’s friendlies,” said David Sternberg, executive vice president and general manager of Fox Soccer Channel. “Brazil is unquestionably one the world’s most successful and prestigious teams. This important pact is the perfect complement to Fox Soccer Channel’s year-round coverage of the highest caliber domestic and international soccer programming available.” For a complete schedule of Fox Soccer Channel’s coverage of the Brazil National Team friendly matches, please visit www.foxsoccer.com.