LONDON: The Football Association (FA) has released the invitation to tender document for its overseas television rights for the period covering seasons 2004/20055 to 2007/2008.
An official release informs that the key rights included in this package are the England Senior home internationals, England Under-21 home internationals, The FA Cup and The FA Community Shield. The FA is also looking to launch the process to appoint its first ever mobile and internet partners in the near future, covering both the UK and worldwide markets. In India the FA Cup aired earlier this year on Ten Sports.
FA's marketing and communications Paul Barber said, "The international profile of English football is extremely high and The FA wants to ensure this continues. The FA Cup is the most famous domestic cup competition in world football, with a tradition and international appeal that is unmatched. The cup final is currently broadcast in over 150 countries and has an audience of over 400 million.
"The final will be returning to Wembley and this just adds to the excitement. We have great players from all over the world and they will all want to play at the new home of football in the FA Cup final and we want the world to watch them.
"The England team is currently enjoying unprecedented levels of popularity abroad. Through the sale of our overseas television rights, The FA will ensure England’s home games can be seen the world over. Because of our wide role, revenues from the sale of these rights will go for the benefit of the game at every level."