Sky Sports has been awarded the rights to the Home Nations and Republic of Ireland qualification matches for UEFA EURO 2016 and 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The new agreement gives Sky Sports coverage of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, together with and all other UEFA member associations, between 2014 – 2017.
In the case of England matches Sky has secured a highlights package, ITV has secured the rights for England Home games, extending an existing deal.
For Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Sky will have exclusive live coverage of home and away matches during qualification for both tournaments.
The announcement follows last week’s statement by BT that its BT Sport channel will be offered free to all broadband subscribers, irrespective of which TV platform is viewed.
Sky says the schedule of 500 international matches underlines Sky Sports as the home of televised football.