Soccer: All World Cup soccer will be free-to-air in UK

All 64 World Cup Final matches in Japan and South Korea next year will be available on free-to-air on television.

The British Government has classed all matches in the tournament as "listed events" under the 1996 Broadcasting Act.

This means viewing rights must be sold to a free-to-air broadcaster.

The news came in a House of Lords reply in the wake of "grave fears" expressed in some quarters that the matches may be available only on subscriber or other non free-to-air TV.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey, a Government front-bench spokesman on culture issues in the Lords, made clear in his answer that all 64 matches were classed as "listed events".

Labour peer Lord Morris of Manchester, who tabled the original question, said: "This means that all the matches will be available free-to-air in this country.

"I am naturally extremely glad about the clarity and force of the minister's reply, making it crystal clear that everyone will have free access to these matches. It is very good news indeed."

A German media organisation, the Kirch Group, is planning to hold an open auction for the live rights of these matches.

Lord McIntosh said: "We understand that the group intends to comply with the UK listed event legislation. "