The BBC is to launch an all-out offensive to secure the rights to screen Champions League matches, after overcoming a major obstacle in the way of a bid.
A team of BBC officials, handpicked by the director-general Greg Dyke, has worked out how the corporation can televise games without having to show the many "In association with . . ." introductions and linking announcements that UEFA insists are laced into the match-coverage production.
The BBC had feared being in breach of regulations regarding such sponsors' advertising, which is heavily broadcast before kick-off and during the half-time break.
The team has spent the past few weeks working out how to show matches minus the ads and blurbs, with the BBC to propose paying an extra levy to UEFA to compensate for loss of advertising revenue which can be ascribed to the British market. This top-up fee would go directly to UEFA and the BBC believes that it would be able to make up the financial shortfall once it comes to an agreed calculation for it.
"The BBC is now trying to work out the exact amount pre-match and half-time advertising generates for UEFA," a source said. "If this figure can be paid as a lump sum then the advertising could be dropped and it could go a long way towards helping the BBC secure the Champions League." Negotiations for the tournament's new television deal are set to begin this year, with the current deal expiring at the end of next season.
If Liverpool needed a lift for their title run-in, they have received the best of all. Gerard Houllier may still be conspicuous by his absence from the bench but he is back full time on Merseyside and making his presence felt.
Nearly five months since he left Anfield in an ambulance after complaining of chest pains, a buoyant Houllier visited Liverpool's Melwood training complex this week after a break in France.
And he revealed he has been busily shaping his team not only for the run-in but also for next season. Houllier is now working on signing Nicolas Anelka permanently for £15 million in the summer and will be hoping that by that time the French striker could have his second Premiership winner's medal.
Martin O'Neill will keep the Scottish Football Association waiting until after tomorrow's Old Firm game before giving a decision on whether Celtic's youth development officer Tommy Burns can join the Scotland team manager Berti Vogts' backroom staff.
However the Celtic manager is unlikely to stand in the way of Burns, who has turned down managerial posts at Kilmarnock and St Johnstone in the past year, especially if he is required on a part-time basis.
Guardian Service
