However, the German FA insists his past record was not a factor in the selection for this summer's tournament.

BBC: Kevin Kuranyi dropped from German World Cup squad

In addition, BT's acquisition of ESPN's TV channels business in the UK and Ireland in February of this year will bring the rights to show live games for the FA Cup, Scottish Premier League, Europa League and the German Bundesliga.

BBC: Robin van Persie

After the Hammers sealed a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, manager Avram Grant said the German midfielder had shown no ill effects in what was his first game since suffering a thigh injury while playing for his country in August.

BBC: Robbie Keane to be sidelined at West Ham for month

The deal sees BT acquire the ESPN and ESPN America channels, and their live rights to show FA Cup, Scottish Premier League, Uefa Europa League, and German Bundesliga matches.

BBC: BT to buy ESPN UK and Ireland channels