Rukmal first Asian Media Official at World Cup

SOCCER: Rukmal Perera the Director Media and Communications Football Federation left the island yesterday for Germany to take up duties as Media Officer for the FIFA World Cup 2006. He is the first Sri Lankan Media official to be appointed by the World Governing body to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.

This Mega event is to commence on June 9 and will come to a close on July 9. The event is competed for by 32 countries. Rukmal underwent training in Switzerland and Germany after he was selected for the post for few months.

Rukmal an Old Boy of De Mazenod College, Kandana was a soccerite himself during his school days and also led the school team.

The organizers of the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany has already issued Media accreditation to over 15000 Print Media and Electronic Media personnel.

Around 40billion soccer fans from 207 countries get the opportunity of witnessing the matches live on TV. According to the latest reports 24 cameras are positioned in one stadium for the live coverage of this mega event.

The previous World Cup in 2002 was telecast for well over 41,000 hours.

BP