EU approves State plans for free-to-air sports events
However, the Football Association of Ireland and Sky are believed to be studying the implications of the ruling and may yet try to block the move in the High Court.
The FAI signed a 7.5m deal with Sky under which the satellite broadcaster was given exclusive rights to broadcast Ireland’s away games in the European Football Championships.
It says this revenue is vital to developing the game at home and argues that it will not get as lucrative a deal from terrestrial broadcasters such as RTÉ or TV3.
Government officials, meanwhile, are confident that existing legislation is strong enough to withstand any legal action.
“The people want it on terrestrial television, as do the European Commission and the Government. If and when the Oireachtas approves this, would the FAI or Sky turn around and try to overturn the wishes of the Irish people?” said one Government source last night.
Chairman of the Oireachtas Communications Committee, Noel O’Flynn urged both sides to abandon the deal in the interests of the Irish public.
“If Sky and the FAI insist on going ahead with their deal, which would deprive thousands of fans of television sports action, then both parties must come before the committee to explain their reasons to the Irish people,” he said.
Yesterday’s development means events such as the World Cup, All-Ireland senior hurling and football finals, the Irish Derby and Grand National are almost certain to be kept on free-to-air TV.
Formal European Commission approval is expected to follow shortly and the list of events will become law once officially approved by the Oireachtas.
This is scheduled to be completed well in advance of Ireland’s next home European Championship qualifying game against Albania in June.
Communications Minister Dermot Ahern yesterday welcomed the decision by Brussels to give the green light to protecting the sports events.
“I endeavoured in talks with Sky and the FAI to ensure major sports events would remain free-to-air.
“These talks were not successful to date. But I intend to ensure that sports fans, particularly the young and elderly, can still see major sports events on free-to-air television,” Mr Ahern said.
The FAI said it will study the possible implications of the decision, while a spokesperson for Sky declined to comment yesterday.
