RTÉ, BBC in bid for Irish away ties

RTÉ and BBC have joined forces against Sky Television for the rights to televise the Republic of Ireland's away internationals.

RTÉ confirmed yesterday that it has logged a joint bid with the BBC for the Republic’s away fixtures. The announcement comes days after the State broadcaster lost the home international rights to Rupert Murdoch’s Sky. Niall Cogley, head of RTE´ sport, said the station expected opposition from Sky for the rights to the away games, which start with the European Championship qualifier against Russia in Moscow in September.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he did not like the deal involving the FAI and Sky for the home internationals.

He said a wide section of the sporting public would not be able to watch our qualifying matches in the European Championship, and the World Cup.

However, Mr Ahern said that it would not be feasible for the Government to buy back the rights of the matches.