RTE and FAI agree on free-to-air games

RTE and the Football Association of Ireland have agreed a deal that will see the Republic of Ireland's competitive soccer games…

RTE and the Football Association of Ireland have agreed a deal that will see the Republic of Ireland's competitive soccer games return to free-to-air television.

It is believed the FAI will not be compensated for any loss in revenue and the new deal is said to be worth €5.5 million over three years.

The FAI were recently forced to re-negotiate their existing deal with pay TV broadcaster BSkyB because certain sporting events must be made available to the public under Government legislation.

The agreement will take effect from June 7th, when Ireland take on Albania in Lansdowne Road in the European Championship qualifiers.