FA seeks England TV deal

The FA was unhappy when England played in Finland

The Football Association wants to take control of television rights for England away games.

It is urging governing bodies Uefa and Fifa to help it prevent matches being broadcast only on a pay-per-view basis.

The FA controls rights for England home games and has taken a policy decision to ensure that these are shown live on a terrestrial channel as well as a satellite station such as BSkyB.

The BBC is the current terrestrial rights holder.

However, Sky Sports has bought the rights to the final Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey in October 2003, which could obviously be crucial to the outcome of the group.

It is our brand they are selling and our fans who miss out

Paul Barber
FA marketing director

The FA is determined to avoid a repeat of the situation in which the now-defunct pay-per-view channel U-direct bought the rights to the World Cup qualifier against Finland in 2000.

Paul Barber, the FA's director of marketing and communications, said: "As far as the away games are concerned, it is one of my biggest frustrations that we have no control.

"When England went to Finland during the last qualifying campaign for the World Cup - and it was a big game because we had just lost to Germany at Wembley - it was on the now defunct pay-per-view channel U-direct.

"We feel we should have more control because we want as many fans as possible to see these games," he told the FA's website.

"At the moment the host country has all the power and they decide who gets the rights. It is an issue we need to address with Uefa and Fifa.

"You can understand the situation from the point of view of smaller countries. When they play England, it means a big pay-day.

"But, at the same time, it is our brand they are selling, and our fans who miss out.

"The worry is that a match will end up on a pay-per-view channel or something like that."

Country protection

The FA looks unlikely to get its way, however, according to Uefa.

Uefa spokesman Mike Lee said: "The position is clear and has been established for a long time - that the home associations negotiate television rights for matches.

"That is crucial for the smaller countries and their financial well-being. Some of their home matches might be their biggest games of the year and the right for them to sell those broadcasting rights is important for their economy."

Uefa conceded it was prepared to hold discussions with the FA over the matter.