ITV retain Champions League rights for three more years
ITV hold onto Champions League coverage
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Thursday, 20, Mar 2008 10:02
ITV has reportedly agreed to pay £55 million a year to secure rights to show Champions League games from 2009-2012.
The broadcaster will have first rights to the Wednesday games from 2009, and will also show coverage of the Uefa Cup and Super Cup final.
Holding onto the Champions League rights will come as a massive relief for ITV as they let go of their exclusive coverage of Formula One to BBC earlier today. ITV have shown Champions League games since the tournament was introduced in 1992.
"I'm thrilled that ITV is now the definitive home for all premium free-to-air football in this country," said the ITV executive chairman, Michael Grade.
"This is good news for ITV's shareholders, advertisers and of course our viewers."
Earlier this week, Sky paid a reported £240 million to secure the main Champions League package until 2012. This means they will have exclusive coverage of every Tuesday game and will broadcast every Wednesday game apart from the one shown on ITV.
The BBC has denied reports they were involved in the bidding war for the Champions League rights.