PARIS, 8 September 2007 — Reuters and Agence France-Presse announced yesterday that they were ending their suspension of coverage of the World Cup following last-ditch talks with tournament organizers.
Agreement was reached on the use of photographs on Web sites less than two hours before the opening match between France and Argentina in Paris. The Associated Press, Getty and the European Pressphoto Agency had also suspended coverage.
The agencies, joined in their protest by influential French sports daily L’Equipe, and a 40-strong world news media coalition, had suspended all text, photographic and TV cover from Thursday.
However, after pleas from the French Government, the European Union and after representations from sponsors, talks took place between both sides yesterday. A joint statement by World Cup organizers and the media coalition said: “Both sides agree that still photographs used on Web sites should not be presented in a way which ‘emulates video’.
“For the Rugby World Cup 2007 only, news and sports websites will be allowed to use a maximum number of stills during games of 200 (including extra time).
The stills will not be used at a frequency of greater than one still per 30 second. Use at other times will remain unrestricted.”
Both sides will meet again in Paris on Monday to discuss the other key issue — restrictions on TV coverage of non-match day events which is currently limited to three minutes per day for non-rights holders.
“Immediately after the event (as soon as practicable), a first meeting will take place to begin to address the wider issues that have divided the two sides including the recognized need to canvas opinions of a wider cross-section of news media sectors,” the statement said, and added: “Both parties will make all reasonable efforts to facilitate coverage of Rugby World Cup 2007.”
Yesterday’s agreement means that full coverage will be provided of the opening match as well as three further pool games today and four tomorrow.
In Lyon, France, John Kirwan has told his Japan team to be courageous and full of heart when they take on two-time world champions Australia in their World Cup opener today.
The 42-year-old former All Black legend — a World Cup winner in the inaugural edition in 1987 — added that his minnows should approach the match also in a confident frame of mind as they attempt to reach the last eight for the first time.
“We wanted them (the Australians) to do just that, put out their best side,” said Kirwan, who took up the post of Japan coach last January.
“We know them well, they are strong throughout even if George Gregan and Stephen Larkham are their key players.
“We have nothing to lose. It is imperative we play with courage and a lot of heart. My players must approach the match with confidence, not with fear.
“Our game must be at its best.” Kirwan, who has set the task of winning two matches at the World Cup, a tall order since Japan have only one victory in 16 previous encounters beating hapless Zimbabwe 52-8 in 1991, added it was imperative that Japan maintained possession of the ball.
“We must go out and not let them dictate their game and we must focus on keeping possession of the ball and try and impose our game,” said the charismatic 63-times capped winger.
