Podolski has told ARD he will not give them any more interviews until the segment on a Cologne station is pulled. The 21-year-old feels the show makes him out to be an idiot.

"I have a sense of humour but these jokes are below the belt," he told a news conference on Monday. "I'm entitled to seek justice."

The German Football Association (DFB) has given full backing to Podolski, said spokesman Harald Stenger.

"Comedy is all well and good but this is attacking his dignity," Stenger said. "ARD will get no more interviews with Podolski until this is sorted out."

The DFB said in a statement the show pictured Podolski as an uneducated boor.

BAYERN MOVE

Podolski, who has yet to score in Germany's two matches at the World Cup, is moving from Cologne to Bayern Munich next season.

Strike partner Miroslav Klose and coach Juergen Klinsmann came out in his defence on Monday, after a newspaper report had hinted about a rift in the squad.

"We're lucky to have such a natural talent in the side as Lukas Podolski," said Klose, who scored two of Germany's goals in their 4-2 win over Costa Rica on the tournament's opening day.

"All I said was that maybe he was a little tense. We're aiming high and we can all do better."

Klinsmann said the whole squad was backing Podolski to score.

"We've told him not to worry," the coach said. "He'd love to get on the scoresheet at this World Cup and I'm sure he will."

Germany are guaranteed a place in the second round of the competition after beating Costa Rica and Poland. The hosts need to overcome Ecuador in Berlin on Tuesday to finish as Group A winners.