TV deal a boost for league

THE eircom League is set to enjoy a bonanza of televised football and an increased prize fund of €400,000 as a result of a new multi-channel TV deal secured by the FAI.

The groundbreaking five-year deal will see 30 domestic games carried either live or "as live" by RTÉ, TG4 and Setanta Sports. The prize fund generated by the TV rights fees will see €400,000 on offer to league clubs, up from €98,000 last year. The method by which the money is distributed among clubs will be decided in talks with the eircom League.

The deal, which runs until the end of the 2009 season, will see at least 24 matches broadcast live, with five "as live".