FA strikes new deal with ITV
The Football Association has announced a new two-year deal with ITV for the broadcaster to show England internationals and FA Cup matches.
The new agreement will see the channel have first pick of FA Cup games and show England matches – including home 2014 World Cup qualifiers – in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.
All England home and away friendlies during the two-year period will be shown by the broadcaster.
ITV will also have the third-choice pick in the fifth and sixth rounds and the fourth choice in the third and fourth, with first choice of replays from the third to the sixth rounds.
ITV director of television Peter Fincham said: “The FA Cup and England internationals are events with huge resonance and appeal for our viewers.
“I’m delighted that we are extending our partnership with the FA and that ITV1 will continue to be the home of live football on free-to-air television.”
Stuart Turner, FA group commercial director said: “We enjoy a great relationship with ITV and this extension to our agreement underlines that.
“Having the FA Cup and England alongside other ITV content such as the Champions League and World Cups shows that our football content holds its own in exalted company.
“It further confirms ITV’s position as the home of free-to-air live football.”
