Hamburg / 30 January 2008 – SPORTFIVE will start testing the use of on-cam video perimeter boards this weekend, when the second round of the Bundesliga begins. For the first time in Bundesliga football, Europe’s leading sports rights agent will make extensive use of video boards in the first row of perimeter boards at the matches Hamburger SV vs. Hannover 96 and HERTHA BSC vs. Eintracht Frankfurt on 2 February, and during the “Revierderby” BVB vs. Schalke 04 on 10 February.

The use of LED perimeter boards visible on television has not been allowed in Bundesliga football to date. At this point, video perimeter boards are only used in the off-TV zones at the clubs promoted by SPORTFIVE in Berlin, Dortmund and Hamburg. The rules and regulations issued by the DFL in December 2007 now allow for use of on-cam video perimeter boards in the Bundesliga. SPORTFIVE already uses video boards in areas visible on TV in other leading European leagues such as England, France and Italy.

“We’ve decided to run these tests at an early stage in order to be able to respond quickly and professionally to the DFL’s decision in our customers’ interest,” emphasised Thomas Röttgermann, managing director of SPORTFIVE. “As the market leader we feel it is our duty to review the opportunities and risks of TV perimeter boards as well as all processes under match day conditions. Based on these tests, we will take best possible decision regarding a possible use of TV perimeter boards, both for the rights owners and for the sponsors,” he added.

A consultation regarding the permanent use of TV perimeter boards at the clubs promoted by SPORTFIVE in Germany will follow based on insights arrived at during the testing, and in coordination with the clubs and sponsors.

We will be happy to provide further information upon request.