Cautious FAI reaction to EU free-to-air decision

THE FAI reacted cautiously yesterday towards the EU decision to ratify the Government’s list of free-to-air sporting events.

The list included all Ireland’s qualifying matches for the major championships, both home and away. The FAI found themselves at the centre of a storm last year, after handing the live rights for their home games to Sky. Acceptance of these proposals effectively scupper any advantage Sky have to broadcasting these games.

However, the association said yesterday they would carefully analyse the decision before commenting on how it is going to affect Irish football finances. “The continuing development of football in Ireland means there is a clear need to secure the maximum possible revenues from all income streams including TV rights, Government support and match revenues,” a spokesman said.

“The key issue is how best to secure the funding which will ensure the future of Irish football. With the association’s plan to make considerable changes already underway, it is crucial that the overall funding for these developments is not affected.”

Minster for Communications Dermot Ahern said, however, that the EU acceptance means Ireland’s qualifiers will now be free to anyone in the country, even though his talks with Sky and the FAI have been unsuccessful.

“Throughout this process, I had endeavoured, in talks with Sky Sports and the FAI, to ensure that major sports events would remain free to air. Those talks were not successful to date. But, as is apparent, I intend to ensure that sports fans, and particularly the young and elderly, can still see major sport events on free-to-air television.”

The EU Contact committee, which is chaired by representatives of all member States, took place yesterday and found that the proposal by the Irish Government unobjectionable and consistent with the aims and

objectives of the Television without Frontiers directive.

Among the other events listed were the Olympic Games, the All-Ireland hurling and football finals, the opening game, semi-finals and final of both the World Cup and the European Championships, Ireland’s Rugby World Cup games, the Irish Grand National and Derby as well as the Dublin Horse Show.

Meanwhile, the FAI will begin seeking a new chief executive officer tomorrow, with advertisements appearing in the national media.

Outlined in the Genesis report, the appointment of a full-time CEO was considered key in making the FAI a more professional organisation. Among the requirements listed for the in-coming chief executive includes developing a corporate and sporting vision for Irish football and a successful track record in managing a complex organisation.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers have being brought in by the FAI to manage the project. A FAI spokesperson said the appointment of a CEO is a vital step in the full implementation of the Genesis report.

“The development work undertaken through the country by the many volunteers at local level and the appointment of a new international team manager this week augers very well for the future of the game,” he said.

“The position represents an undoubted challenge for the successful candidate but one which is set against a background of, potentially, a very bright future for football in Ireland.”

l Bohemians host a testimonial for their veteran defender Tony O’Connor tonight in Dalymont Park. The Eircom League champions will play O’Connor’s former club St Patrick’s Athletic, with the game kicking off at 7.45pm.