19 Apr 2010ESPN seeks FA Cup changes for next season

Football Sponsors/ Sponsorship and Media | Football Technology and Stadia

American broadcaster ESPN appears set to meet with officials from the FA this week to discuss amendments to next season's FA Cup format.

Although ESPN will see its league match broadcasts halved next season, reports suggest its representatives have already spoken with the English Premier League about increasing access to players and managers.

The company's European managing director Lynne Frank told the Guardian: "With the FA Cup and Guinness Premiership, I am hoping to be able to push some more of this innovative approach."

It is believed ESPN wants to make its English offering more similar to its NFL broadcasts, in which cameras are often allowed into dressing rooms and coaches are regularly interviewed mid-game.

Last week, it emerged the English Premier League is preparing to take legal action against Ofcom's decision to force Sky to reduce the wholesale prices it charges rival platforms to carry its sports coverage.

Chief executive Richard Scudamore claimed the potential repercussions for English football are too great to ignore.

Written by Mark Thompson

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