Irish fans face big match blackout

Irish football fans are facing a television blackout amid a row regarding the rights for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup showdown with France.

Broadcasters RTÉ and Sky Sports remain in discussions with the French Football Federation and their TV partners TF1 about the second leg in Paris next Wednesday evening.

However, they have as yet been unable to strike a deal, and if that remains the case, Giovanni Trapattoni’s men could walk out at the Stade de France with millions at home in the dark as they attempt to secure their passage to South Africa next summer.

Reports in Ireland have suggested that the FFF is asking for €1.5m for the rights after the FAI handed the home leg to the highest bidder, independent channel M6, for around €4.5m.