Sky Sports has been awarded the rights to Home Nations and Republic of Ireland qualification matches for UEFA EURO 2016 and 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The deal provides the channel with up to 500 international matches plus coverage of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and all other UEFA member associations, between 2014 – 2017.
The deal comprises:
ENGLAND – Highlights of every England qualifying match for both tournaments and live away matches should England play other Home Nations.
SCOTLAND, WALES, NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND – All matches home and away exclusively live in the UK during qualification for both tournaments.
UP TO 500 MATCHES – Starting with UEFA EURO 2016 qualification fixtures in September 2014, Sky Sports will show up to 500 international competitive matches over three years.
Announcing the deal, Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said: “Both the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup are football’s most important international tournaments and this deal offers Sky Sports viewers the complete qualification story.
“We’ve been broadcasting international football since the beginning of Sky Sports and this deal means our viewers can enjoy watching some of the best players and nations over the next four years.”
News of the deal comes a week after rival BT announced its new sports channels would be offered free to existing and new broadband customers.