IRELAND’S PLAY-OFF GAME against Slovakia is currently scheduled to be broadcast behind a pay-wall on Sky Sports rather than on free-to-air television.
However, RTÉ have been negotiating with Uefa since November, when the draw was made, to gain special rights to show the game. Industry sources have indicated they have made substantial progress and may get a positive decision from European football’s governing body by the end of this week – which would be a major boost to thousands of Irish fans who are not subscribers to Sky.
As things stand, though, the game will only be seen live on subscription channel, Sky. The reason for this is that the play-off semi-finals are technically Uefa Nations League matches rather than Uefa European qualifiers. And it is Sky Sports rather than RTÉ who have the rights to show Ireland’s Nations League and friendly internationals.
The Nations League was developed as a concept between 2013 and 2016 as an alternative to meaningless friendly internationals. It began in earnest in 2018, Ireland doing poorly in their outings in the competition, losing twice, drawing twice in League B.
Nonetheless they still were allowed another chance to qualify for the Euros via this new competition, one of four teams who made it into the League B play-offs, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Slovakia being the other sides competing for one spot in this summer’s Euros.
While the winner of the mini-tournament – Ireland play Slovakia in one semi-final, Northern Ireland face Bosnia in the other – goes to this summer’s European finals, the game remains officially a Nations League match.
Hence, Sky have the rights to show it.
Nonetheless, RTÉ have made a big play to also be allowed broadcast the game live. They are aware that Uefa are keen to introduce a free-to-air element to these play-offs and have been negotiating with Uefa via the European Broadcasting Union to get the Slovakia match shown on RTÉ.
They have not signed any deal yet may well do so before the end of this week. If no deal is struck, then Ireland versus Slovakia will only be available to subscribers on the Sky Sports platform.
When a national team is playing the national broadcaster should be just allowed show the match without having to fight for the rights and/or pay out millions.
@Jason Ebbs: a scam to try and get an increase in the tv licence RTE and its licence fee is of another age shut it down a complete con
@Richard Russell: not that I’m justifying it, but there has not been licence increase since 2008. Plus it’s not going to increase this year because if there is an increase it happens in the budget.
@Jason Ebbs: they are showing it – this article is incorrect
What’s the point of a national broadcaster if they can’t show their national teams of major sporting events?
Telly bingo will be next !
Sky’s coverage is way better. End of
@Keith ☘️: it’s a no brainer with dodgy box readily available
@Keith ☘️: Sky sucks!
@Keith ☘️: that not the point and I’m not sure it’s true anyway. The point is the national broadcaster should show national games particularly ones of such importantance so everyone has the opportunity to watch it.
First the 6 nations now this…just scrap the place!!! Money pit!!!
Oh oh
They will asking for an higher licence fee.
Is anybody else going off the boys in green….I’m not even that bothered if we qualify
Probably be humiliated in the finals playing ape_man football…
Lads, what’s the problem? Find a cafe, use the wiki, and go onto the sky channel on Mobdro. Either way, it’s free.
@Conor Alexander Lynott: a cafe? To watch the game? I’d say you are a bundle of laughs
@Conor Alexander Lynott: Nothing like watching the match in Starbucks, the atmosphere is electric.
@Conor Alexander Lynott: besides going to a cafe to watch a game, mobdro is as useful as a waterproof teabag.
@Eric Gaffney: that got a good laugh out of me.
@Mel Roberts: A big group. big scree with Chromecast, pizza and a load of chocolate fudge cake and soft fizzy drinks, mot to mention coffee
for afterwards?I would have thought it would have been great craic with all the caffeine floating around, but each to their own All possible with a little negotiation beforehand. Gotta think outside the box, Rob.
@King B Probably useless for you because you have an Iphone. Works just fine on android
@Conor Alexander Lynott: aye sounds fun alright if you are a 14 year old girl!
@Mel Roberts: I’ll make sure Guiness include that line in their Guiness Clear ad. Nice innovation, son.
@Conor Alexander Lynott: is Friday, Friday gotta get down on Friday.
I am beginning to hate sports and sky. Fcuk you sky
€160 a year for a TV license means isn’t free to air for the viewer.
They have €50million to play with. They don’t have to do much fighting.
This article is incorrect – RTE will be showing the playoffs & the Slovakia gamme
Remember me da sayin in the late 90’s..” bbc show no England football anymore sky have the lot it’s a disgrace Ireland would never let that happen to Irish games” I replied “If sky buy the rights they’ll lose them” His reply. “no chance ever” Ok then…
Genius. Pay a fortune for matches that will probably be called off.