Cash row threatens TV coverage of Paris play-off

RTÉ could not confirm last night whether it will broadcast live television coverage of the second leg of Ireland’s World Cup play-off against France in Paris on November 18.

It appears that €900,000 separates the French Football Federation’s valuation of broadcasting rights for the match and the amount offered jointly by RTÉ and Sky.

According to Le Parisien newspaper, the FFF is seeking €1.5 million, while RTÉ and Sky have bid €600,000 between them.

RTÉ last night declined to comment on these figures. The national broadcaster did, however, state that negotiations are in progress with a sports agency working on behalf of the FFF.

“As negotiations are currently ongoing we are not in a position to make any comment at this time,” an RTÉ spokesperson added.

The FFF is not awash with money and will be reluctant to turn down a significant RTÉ/Sky offer, which it expects will increase in the near future. While RTÉ’s desire to do a deal is obvious, Sky is also keen to secure coverage of a match involving so many Premiership players, in addition to La Liga stars such as Thierry Henry and Karim Benzema.