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".

RTÉ will screen eight games live five league matches and three FAI Cup ties. Setanta will screen 10 league games, five live and five "as live". And TG4 will screen 11 live games seven league matches and four cup ties. The FAI expects broadcasters to take up options to transmit above this committed level, meaning the final figure is likely to exceed 30 matches. The first game of the new era will see the Bohemians-Shamrock Rovers league game televised live on March 18.

FAI interim chief executive John Delaney hailed the deal as "the most exciting and innovative package of measures to affect the domestic game for many years".

And eircom League chairman Paddy McCaul said: "The exposure for the game, along with the cash injection, give the eircom League a huge boost."

Meanwhile, Delaney has said he hopes that, pending Government approval for the new sports centre, and discussions with their staff and Campus Ireland, the FAI could move from Merrion Square to Abbotstown within six months.