Setanta and ITV Eye England & FA Cup TV Rights

While the press and public continue to stick knives into Steve McClaren’s management of the England team, off the pitch there are some big moves being made in the world of business. The focus of attention are the TV rights deals for England and FA Cup matches in the UK.

The four year contract is close to being finalized with BBC, ITV, Setanta and others involved in the mad scramble. Today, The Daily Express newspaper is reporting that ITV (Independent Television) is close to winning the rights. If so, it could mean BBC’s team of Gary Lineker, Alan Hansen, Mark Lawrenson and Alan Shearer will be broken up.

The article goes on to say that Setanta is believed to be working with ITV on a joint bid, which would allow ITV to broadcast all of the England matches and first-choice FA Cup ties, while Setanta would own the rights to the other FA Cup matches not selected by ITV.