Ruling puts RTÉ TV rights at risk

RTÉ’S monopoly over TV rights to the Olympic Games and World Cup soccer finals could be under threat following a landmark legal ruling by the European courts.

It comes as Communications Minister Dermot Ahern will put his finalised list of major sports events to be designated free-to-air for Irish TV audiences to the Cabinet later today.

The European Court of Justice in Luxembourg ruled yesterday that State TV companies like RTÉ are enjoying an unfair competitive advantage over other broadcasters in relation to TV rights for sports.