BBC Sport Wins Football Radio Rights

BBC Radio 5 Live has won the radio rights to broadcast FA Cup and England international matches for a further four years.

The deal with the Football Association starts from the beginning of the 2008/09 football season with the Community Shield match between Manchester United and Portsmouth at Wembley on Sunday.

Radio 5 Live and sister digital station BBC 5 Live Sports Extra will broadcast all of England’s home international games and some friendly games played away from home.

The deal also confirms 5 Live will have commentary on FA Cup matches for the next four seasons.

Radio 5 Live will have live commentary of England’s home games starting with the friendly against the Czech Republic on August 20 ahead of the European Championship qualification campaign next month.

Roger Mosey, director of BBC Sport, said: “Securing the FA Cup and international matches completes Radio 5 Live’s unrivalled portfolio of football commentary rights including the Premier League.

“The BBC believes it’s important we offer free-to-air live coverage of key sporting events.”

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk