FA TV deal not popular

The Wales FA struck a TV deal, but the deal itself didn't strike a chord with many of its members, who believe many Welsh fans won't be able to watch matches with English language commentary.

The four-year deal with S4C – effective next season – gives the broadcaster international and domestic football rights. Live international matches will go to Sky.

Still, some are wary. If fans don't have Sky, they won't be able to hear English announcing.

"I am not sure that we have gone for the right deal," said FAW Council member Phil Woosnam. "Although S4C will be showing more Welsh Premier matches, our total audience will almost certainly be lower than it would have been because, for those without Sky, the matches will only be available with a Welsh commentary."

S4C also is burning its bridges. In the past, the BBC held broadcasting rights and allowed S4C to show highlights for free. That is not being reciprocated with S4C holding the rights.

"It seems to me that everyone here is a loser," Monmouth Conservative MP David Davies said. "Wales football fans who can't afford or don't want to pay for a Sky Sports package will be unable to watch their team with an English commentary. Supporters of the Welsh language can rightfully feel aggrieved about S4C's decision to buy the rights to matches they would have been able to show anyway, instead of investing the money in good quality original programmes.

"And taxpayers will be unhappy that money allocated to S4C to make programmes in the Welsh language is instead being paid to the FAW."

An S4C spokesman claimed that "BBC Wales is not in a position to allow us access to the footage of these matches" that S4C bid.

David Collins, the FAW general secretary, defended the decision to let S4C land the rights, saying it was the "most attractive" offer, and that S4C will show twice as many matches from the Welsh Premier League.

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