The Bermuda Broadcasting Company has secured the exclusive rights to the upcoming World Cup in South Africa – the biggest sporting event in the world.

Many had thought that CableVision would be showing the 64 matches of the tournament which starts on Friday, June 11, and ends on Sunday, July 11. But CableVision boss Terry Roberson confirmed yesterday that the BBC has the rights for the tournament which will feature 32 teams.

He said: "We are going to be blocked out. It has been requested by the person who sold the rights to BBC to eliminate any duplicated programming. ESPN did not purchase the rights to the Caribbean they have the rights for North America."

Darlene Ming, BBC programme director, said yesterday that ZFB (channel 7) will be showing all the matches.

A company called IMC in the Caribbean purchased the rights for the area and subsequently sold those rights to the BBC.

Mr. Roberson said that if there were any technical difficulties with ZFB he would gladly help out. "I will be in standby mode so if I am requested to help I will do my best," he added.

In the past BBC have come in for criticism from the public over their coverage of the World Cup and in particular the 2006 Beijing Olympics.