CALIFORNIA: Kicking off a major international licensing agreement, the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) has announced the appointment of Warner Bros. Consumer Products as the exclusive worldwide licensing agent for UEFA EURO 2004 to be held in Portugal 12 June - 4 July 2004.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a division of media conglomerate AOL Time Warner, will use its European branches for creating licensed toys and apparel, a premium catalogue and a mascot for a strong retail presence at UEFA EURO 2004.

With this partnership, UEFA and Warner Bros. Consumer Products are looking to create a strong licensing and retail presence in the international sporting world. Under the deal, Warner Bros. Consumer Products will be in charge of the on site retail operation in Portugal during UEFA EURO 2004 where 16 of Europe's top football teams battle it out on the field for the championship. The UEFA European Football Championship is held every four years and is the largest European football event, as televised matches from UEFA EURO 2000 captured a worldwide audience of over seven billion.