EURO 2008 broadcasting rights will be up for bid

UEFA will accept bids for the non-European broadcasting rights to UEFA EURO 2008 starting 10 August.

"For UEFA EURO 2008, UEFA wishes to maintain and build upon the success of UEFA EURO 2004 outside Europe," the governing body said in a statement. "The purpose of this invitation to tender is to invite agencies and broadcasters to submit offers for the marketing and/or exploitation of the broadcast rights to be made available by UEFA."

UEFA EURO 2004 was considered a success by the governing body. A total of 151 broadcasters showed extensive coverage with strong viewing figures in Asia (Japan, China and Indonesia) and South America. The total average television audience outside of Europe for live match coverage of UEFA EURO 2004 reached 74.3 million, with the final achieving a live non-European audience of 119 million.

"Over the years, the UEFA European Championships have become a truly global property that has significantly extended its appeal beyond the European geographical boundaries," said UEFA Chief Executive Lars-Christer Olsson. "One of UEFA's key objectives for UEFA EURO 2008™outside of Europe is to further widen the appeal of the competition through maximising its exposure and delivering high-quality programming.

"The tender process we are launching should allow UEFA to identify the best partners outside of Europe to achieve our goals."  As of Thursday 10 August, interested parties such as agencies and broadcasters will be able to access the Invitation To Tender document at UEFA's official site.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.