IRELAND'S international away games could also be protected from being bought up by Sky, the European Commission said yesterday.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern is to tell the FAI today that soccer fans must be allowed see home international games without subscription charges.

The Government was tonight seeking clarification from the European Union about their powers to keep the coverage of Ireland’s home international soccer matches on terrestrial TV.

The Chairman of the Dail's European Affairs Committee is to seek formal clarification from the European Commission about the powers of the Irish government in relation to the protection of terrestrial broadcasting of major sporting events.