BBC scores Scottish winner

The website coverage deal is a world first

The BBC has signed a deal to provide live commentary on the internet of every Scottish Premier League football match next season.

The service, which is not yet available in leagues like the FA Carling Premiership or the Italian Serie A, means fans worldwide can keep up to date with all weekend and midweek matches.

BBC Scotland carried live commentary last season but only on Saturdays.

SPL chief executive, Roger Mitchell, said: "We were the first league to do webcasts and the first to offer online betting, and the announcement maintains that track record.

Fans will be able to get close to the action

"We've had countless requests from fans both at home and worldwide asking for this service, and we're pleased that they'll get the chance to hear all the action as it happens."

"This is a world first. No other league in the world is offering this service to fans."

The service will be up and running at the end of July.

BBC Scotland's head of broadcast, Ken MacQuarrie, said: "We already bring the best of the action from the SPL on TV and radio and this contract further enhances our coverage for football fans.

"In particular it will allow fans living in Scotland and beyond to hear all the action from the SPL as it happens, no matter which team they support."

Fans will simply log onto the SPL website, BBC Scotland Online and BBC Sport Online.