Under the deal, Five will have the first pick of matches in each round as well as the final and a comprehensive highlights package. The deal guarantees the channel 15 live Uefa Cup games a year over the whole period for the competition in which four British teams are expected to be involved.
ITV has second pick of seven games, five so-called third picks and three fourth picks throughout the tournament. From 2009, ITV’s games will be predominantly shown on digital channel ITV4 – with kick-offs scheduled for 6.05pm or 8.05pm as part of the new competition format.
Setanta Sports acquired the rights for 32 live games per season, including 17 from the Uefa Cup group stages, six from the rounds 32 and 16, two quarter finals and one semi-final. Based on the recent performance of British teams, it is anticipated that Setanta will exclusively show 18 games involving British teams. The matches will be shown on Setanta 1 and Setanta 2. Both ITV and Setanta also secured highlights rights.
Each broadcaster will also exploit the rights across all broadcast platforms – on the internet via www.five.tv , www.itv.com and www.setanta.com as well as on mobile.
It is the first time that TV rights for the tournament from the group stages have been sold collectively, rather than by the individual clubs involved. The deal was brokered by sports marketing agency, Team, which is distributing the rights on behalf of Uefa.
