The North's enterprise minister Arlene Foster has announced Grosvenor, based in Strabane, will design and manufacture luxury formal shirts designed exclusively for each of the teams who have qualified for next year's tournament.

The Minister said: "The local textiles sector has faced many difficulties over the past decade, but Grosvenor Shirts' focus on quality products, strong design and branding, and diversification has allowed it to retain market share. Grosvenor has also developed a strong partnership with Invest NI which has helped the company to achieve such success.

"This high profile contract will give Grosvenor global recognition through the 2010 FIFA World Cup branded product range and will open up new opportunities for export sales and worldwide franchise agreements."

The limited edition merchandise will be sold directly through Grosvenor Shirts' two London stores, on its website and into high end retail stores worldwide.

Karl Dunkley, Founder and Managing Director of Grosvenor Shirts, said: "We are delighted to have been granted this licence. It fits with our strategic plans to develop franchisee initiatives on a global basis. This year Grosvenor Shirts celebrates 10 years of designing and manufacturing quality gentlemen's shirts. We have successfully established our brand in the competitive London fashion market and are keen to establish the brand internationally.

"Invest NI has been extremely supportive and its commitment to this latest project has helped us to fully exploit opportunities arising from this new license."