BBC considers ‘vuvuzela free’ World Cup coverage

The BBC has received over 500 complaints about the horns' noise (Photo: Coca-Cola)

The BBC is looking into whether it would be possible to broadcast a separate “vuvuzela-free” audio stream during their coverage of the South Africa tournament.

The corporation is said to have received at least 545 complaints about the sound of vuvuzela horns during its World Cup broadcasts and may offer an interactive option where viewers can “filter” out the noise of the African instruments.

The broadcaster is said to be considering offering viewers the choice to select a noise-free stream via their ‘red button’ interactive service.

“If the vuvuzela continues to impact on audience enjoyment, we will look at what other options we can take to reduce the volume further,” a BBC spokesperson said yesterday.

Experts, however, are sceptical that such a system would be able to function without affecting crowd noise and the broadcaster’s commentary.

Meanwhile, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has ruled out banning the horns, claiming that they are simply part of Africa’s “different sound.”

“I don’t see banning the music traditions of fans in their own country,” Blatter said on Twitter. “Would you want to see a ban on the fan traditions in your country?”

“I have always said that Africa has a different rhythm, a different sound,” added the FIFA president.

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the latest player to voice his concerns over the noise, saying that it can affect players’ concentration on the pitch.

“It is difficult for anyone on the pitch to concentrate,” the Portugal captain said in a press conference. “A lot of players don’t like them, but they are going to have to get used to them”