RTÉ considers selling rights to broadcast certain Euro 2016 games

RTÉ looks ready to sell on the rights to some matches at Euro 2016 to another Irish broadcaster.

Montrose yesterday issued tender invitations to rival broadcasters to essentially share coverage of the 24-team football extravaganza in France next summer.

The cash-strapped national broadcaster won TV, radio, and online rights to the Uefa tournament in June but executives admit they are ready to “think outside the box” on all major events.

Head of sport Ryle Nugent has admitted that RTÉ no longer has a divine right to presume that it will secure exclusive coverage to major events.

It is now exploring the option of sub-licencing some of the 51 tournament fixtures after posting an invitation to tender notice on its website.

Interested broadcasters have now been asked to submit an expression of interest by January.

Any proposed sub-licence of the Irish tv rights will be subject to the approval of both the EBU and Uefa.

A statement issued by RTÉ stressed that there was no guarantee that any games would be sub-licensed to another broadcaster, saying it was simply seeking expressions of interest and was not obliged to sell.

“RTÉ is exploring all its options in relation to broadcasting the Euro 2016 finals from France,” the statement read.

“RTÉ has nothing further to add to what is contained in the invitation to tender notice on RTÉ.ie.”

Next year’s tournament will be the biggest ever, with the championship expanding to 24 teams from 16, meaning an extra 20 games.