Govt proposes solution to FAI-Sky deal

The Government has reportedly put a proposal to the FAI that would allow Ireland’s home internationals to be screened on free-to-air terrestrial television.

The proposal, believed to revolve around the 1999 Broadcasting Act, is based on legal advice from Attorney General Rory Brady.

Five officials from the FAI met with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and Mr Brady this afternoon, but details of the proposal were not revealed.

The FAI said it would consult its board and management about the offer, which follows the association’s decision to sell the exclusive broadcasting rights to Ireland’s home internationals to British firm Sky Sports.

The Labour Party, meanwhile, has called on the Government to choose whether it should work in the interests of the Irish people or in the interests of Sky Sports owner Rupert Murdoch.

Party spokesman Eamon Gilmore said. "It is quite clear from the legislation which was passed by the Dail three years ago and from the European directive - and it has now, it appears, been confirmed by the Attorney General - that the Irish Government can list the home internationals and that if they do list the home internationals, Sky Sports can be forced to make these games free-to-air to the general public.

"Basically what the Taoiseach has to do now is to decide between the rights of the Irish people and the commercial interests of his political backer, Rupert Murdoch."