Budweiser in World Cup deal

GERMAN brewers and their fans are furious that American giant Budweiser has been granted exclusive rights to sell beer at World Cup 2006 matches.

The championship might be taking place in Germany but the beer flowing from the taps at the concession stands will be American, thanks to a sponsoring agreement between FIFA, soccer's governing body, and Anheuser-Busch, the world's largest brewery.

In the 12 stadiums across Germany where World Cup matches are being played, local firms are allowed to do business only if, according to the contract stipulations, they are 'not competition for the sponsor'. Therefore local brews are taboo and can be sold only outside a specific area around the stadium.

Hermann Winkler, president of the State of Saxony Sports Federation, said: 'A lot of breweries support sports in Saxony but the minute there's a little money to be earned, they're left out in the cold.'

True beer fans view the 'cold, pasteurised and tasteless' US offerings with contempt. 'I wouldn't wash my car in it,' fumed Bavarian Beer Club member Ottmar Riesing. 'It's bubble-gum beer.'

However, Anheuser-Busch, maker of Budweiser and Michelob beers, appears to have scored a winning goal. It has tried for years to get a foothold in Germany, particularly with Budweiser. But since that name is already taken in Europe by the original Czech brand, the Americans have repeatedly hit a brick wall.