11 Aug 2008BBC to cover FA Cup and England Games on the radio

Football Finance News | Football Sponsors/ Sponsorship and Media

The Football Association (FA) has agreed a new four-year contract with the BBC enabling the broadcaster to cover the FA Cup and England international matches over the radio.

Brian Barwick, chief executive of the FA, said that the income from the deal would enable the FA to invest in all levels of football.

England matches will be be covered on BBC Radio 5 Live and its sister station 5 Live Sports Extra while the FA Cup games will be aired on 5 Live.

The deal started from the opening day of the season and covered the FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Portsmouth at Wembley yesterday.

Roger Mosey, director of BBC Sport, said the deal made Radio 5 Live unrivalled in radio football commentary.

"The BBC believes it's important we offer free-to-air live coverage of key sporting events," he added.

Radio 5 Live also has commentary rights for Premier League games giving fans comprehensive cover of English football's main competitions.

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