Delaney rubbishes Sky Sports rumours

THE FAI yesterday rejected reports that the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2008 and World Cup qualifying games will not be broadcast free to air on RTÉ.

Association bosses are angered at suggestions that they are seeking a deal with Sky Sports, for the exclusive rights to competitive Irish matches.

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney last night said that all of the Republic’s championship qualifying games will be broadcast on RTÉ through to 2010.

Said Delaney: “All our qualifying games for the UEFA Euro 2008 and the World Cup 2010 will all be broadcast live on RTÉ.

“There is no question of any change to that agreement,” he added.

He said that certain newspaper reports “seems to give the impression that this is not the case but that cannot be any further from the truth.”

An FAI source added: “There is nothing in the story. We are very happy with our relationship with RTÉ and indeed with all the companies which we deal with like TV3, TG4, Setanta and Sky Sports.

“But people should not be worried that they will not be able to see the games. All competitive matches for the next four years will be on RTÉ.”

The Association attempted to sell exclusive rights to Sky four years ago in a deal worth €7.5 million.

Subsequent legislation forced that agreement to be abandoned, though Sky still retain the rights to friendly games, such as last Wednesday’s meeting with Sweden at Lansdowne Road.