The FAI and RTÉ have reached agreement on a television rights deal that will entitle the broadcaster to screen home European Championship and World Cup qualifying games live, starting with the match against Albania on June 7th at Lansdowne Road.

The deal follows new legislation which listed several sporting events that must be made available on 'free-to-air' television and removed the 'exclusivity' clause in the FAI's contract with Sky, compelling the organisation to offer Irish international games to RTÉ. The network was due back in the High Court today in an attempt to secure the rights from the FAI to broadcast home internationals live.

The new deal is estimated to be worth €5.5million to the FAI over three years, but the association is unwilling to reveal how that figure breaks down between RTÉ and BSkyB - it is thought, however, that RTÉ is paying at least €2 million, an increase on its €1.6 million offer to the FAI for television rights last year.

"The legislation was critical," said Niall Cogley, head of sport at RTÉ. "Without it the deal wouldn't have happened. But there was also a very strong will on the part of all parties to try and make sure the Irish public were the real winners in this one."

"It is an excellent outcome given the existence of the new legislation," said FAI chief executive Fran Rooney. "From the FAI's perspective this was about the cash and the value of our TV rights and we're very happy that we've got a very good deal - and this is a very good deal for the fans and the grassroots because this money will be reinvested in the grassroots of the game."

The deal, however, falls short of the FAI's original €7.5 million (over four years) agreement with BSkyB which gave the British broadcaster exclusive rights to show competitive internationals. Government sources have indicated that no compensation will be offered to the FAI for the shortfall in revenue.

"We have to sit down and talk with the Government," said Rooney. "We've just presented a plan to them about the development of the game and it's been very well received, so we'd be looking at a total package over the next couple of years," he added.

RTÉ has also agreed a package with the FAI which includes "comprehensive coverage of the domestic game", an agreement that leaves TV3's position uncertain - the channel agreed a deal with the FAI last year which gave it the rights to delayed coverage of all Republic of Ireland European Championship and World Cup qualifying home games for the next four years and full rights to the Eircom league. An FAI source said last night that the association was "in discussions" with TV3 and hoped to reach an agreement satisfactory to all parties.

Meanwhile, Coventry City have confirmed their interest in Republic of Ireland international Graham Barrett. The 21-year-old forward has been at Arsenal for six years and is available on a free transfer despite being offered a new deal by the Londoners. Barrett spent most of last season on loan at Brighton. Coventry manager Gary McAllister is optimistic he will be able to snap up Barrett soon. Two of Barrett's team-mates from the under-16 Republic of Ireland team that won the UEFA Youths' Championship back in 1998, are now committed on long-term contracts to Nottingham Forest. Andy Reid yesterday joined John Thompson in securing his future at the club, signing a three-year deal.

Elsewhere rumours persist in Sunderland that Mick McCarthy will attempt to sign Richard Dunne from Manchester City in a deal that would see Michael Gray move to Maine Road.