Ahern to outline protected coverage of games

The Minister of Communications has stated that there is a good chance that Ireland’s home soccer matches will be on terrestrial television.

Minister Dermot Ahern is confident the Government is in a good position legally to hold on to the rights of covering the matches on the national broadcaster.

The statement comes after meetings between the Taoiseach and the FAI President Brendan Menton late last week.

The Government also wants the issue to be settled without having to become involved in a legal battle.

Mr Ahern is to bring a comprehensive outline of sports games to be protected under terrestial TV to the Cabinet on Wednesday.