World Cup Games To Remain Free On British Television

Last updated : 17 February 2011 By Covsupport News Service/RD

In a European Court of Justice ruling the United Kingdom can continue to broadcast World Cup and European Championship games free of charge.

FIFA and UEFA had challenged the decision that allowed the UK government to designate these games as protected events of national sporting importance and thus be able to show live games free of charge.

The ruling means that al fans in the UK can continue to watch World Cup and European Championship game live and for free for the foreseeable future.

The European Court of Justice ruling now allows any EU member state to prohibit the exclusive broadcast of games at these two events on subscription TV.

FIFA and UEFA complained that the UK legislation had allowing free to air broadcasts of football interfered with their ability to sell television rights at the best price.

Their argument was there was no reason why all games at tournaments should be shown free on British television, as part of a list the national sporting "crown jewels" that have to be made available to everyone to watch.

But the EU has now said that the present way that games are shown in the UK - with the whole of the World Cup and European Championships on free to air TV can continue.