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Visa, the exclusive credit card sponsor for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, has launched a social media application that allows football fans to create up-to-date viewing schedules to share with friends on social networking platforms, such as Facebook.

Visa Match Planner, the latest extension of Visa's global FIFA-themed marketing campaign Go Fans, is available in English, Japanese, Spanish and Portuguese, and will be customised for each of the 32 qualified countries.

Fans can customise their television schedule to watch World Cup matches, but the application also allows users to organise viewing parties, chat with friends during matches and track scores.

Antonio Lucio, chief marketing officer at Visa, said: 'Football fans are undeniably passionate about the FIFA World Cup and the teams they follow and social media provides a unique platform to help them express their views and connect with friends from around the world.'

The Go Fans campaign launched in Latin America last year, but was rolled out globally in February, when it encompassed the national flags and colours of each of the 32 qualifying teams. It is designed to connect football fans worldwide and highlight the game's association with Visa.

Visa is one of six global FIFA partners with exclusive global category rights until 2014. It is the exclusive card for the World Cup, and only cash and Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards will be accepted at all FIFA stadia and onsite merchandise booths.

Visa's FIFA sponsorship includes the rights to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the 2011 Women's World Cup Germany and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

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