SFA fears financial loss of TV rights

Published on Friday 13 November 2009 09:08

THE Ashes Test series is set to return to free-to-air television following a Government review to be announced today.

The review could also mean Scotland's football matches once again become free to view as part of a move to ensure World Cup and European Championship qualifiers involving home nations be listed as part of the "Crown Jewels" of British sport.

The Scottish Football Association's current four-year rights deal with satellite broadcaster Sky is worth about 60million and includes live Active Nation Scottish Cup matches in addition to coverage of Scotland's European Championship and World Cup qualifiers.

The recommendations are the results of an inquiry into Britain's listed events headed by David Davies, the former executive director of the Football Association.

Wimbledon tennis championship and golf's Open championship will also be included.

The SFA claims it will lose something in the region of 12m if the Scottish Cup final is included in the list. Chief executive Gordon Smith claims making Scotland matches free-to-air would be "disastrous" for the game.

"If the revenue stream is not there then it's going to have a disastrous effect. That's why we've gone with satellite."