EU set to approve free-to-air Irish sport

THE European Commission is today expected to officially approve the free screening of major Irish sports events on television.

However, the Government may face a legal challenge from Sky Television over its decision to list Ireland’s home and away European Football Championship qualifying games for free-to-air transmission .

The FAI has refused to back away from its 7.5m deal with Sky under which the satellite broadcaster has exclusive rights to live screening of Ireland’s home qualifying games.