World Cup boost for ITV

Travelex have emerged as a surprise sponsor of ITV's World Cup coverage.

The company, which runs hundreds of foreign exchange bureaux, beat off fierce competition from brewing giants Budweiser and Guinness to clinch the £3million deal.

There had been fears that the economic downturn and the ITV Digital crisis would make it hard for ITV to secure a major sponsor.

A spokesman for ITV said: "We are delighted Travelex have decided to become part of our top line-up."

And ITV will show next Tuesday's crucial Champions League semi-final second leg between Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen on ITV1.