BBC to Broadcast Major Football Events Free-to-Air

The BBC has secured a new agreement to broadcast matches featuring Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland on free-to-air television, starting from the upcoming international break.

These three national teams are competing for spots in next summer’s World Cup over the next few months.

For the first time in more than 20 years, all matches will be available on free-to-air TV across the UK.

The BBC’s agreement with UEFA includes live coverage of 41 matches across its channels.

The deal also features at least two international friendly matches and Scotland’s Nations League play-off against Greece later in March.

This marks the first time the BBC has secured complete live broadcasting rights for all three national teams.

Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of BBC Nations, stated, “I am thrilled that fans throughout Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to watch live, free-to-air coverage of all major international football matches.”

He added, “Nothing excites fans more than live international sport and the journey to qualify for the world’s biggest tournament. It promises to be an exciting period, and I am delighted that the BBC will be covering it every step of the way.”

This March will be the first time a Wales qualifier match is broadcast on free-to-air TV since 2004.

FAW CEO Noel Mooney commented, “As we approach an exciting World Cup qualification campaign with Craig Bellamy leading the team, the Football Association of Wales is excited to collaborate with BBC Cymru Wales to provide free-to-air coverage of the Wales men’s national team matches.”

“It’s fantastic that every Welsh supporter will be able to watch our matches for free thanks to the BBC’s excellent coverage.”

Historically, Scotland matches have largely been behind a paywall for over 15 years, except for a few recent games streamed on YouTube.

Regarding Northern Ireland, their last two matches in November were not televised at all.

Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson commented on the new agreement: “We have a long-standing relationship with BBC NI in promoting our domestic game across radio, TV, and online platforms.”

“This new chapter builds on this foundation, and we hope to share more success as we follow the journey of our senior men’s team.”

While Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales matches will be live on the BBC, England’s matches will continue to be broadcast on ITV.

ITV acquired the rights from Channel 4 in September.

Therefore, the new BBC deal will not affect the coverage of England’s national team.

Previously, some international games were broadcast on Sky Sports.

In recent years, Premier Sports has held the rights.