Irish Match Broadcast In Doubt

There is still no deal in place to broadcast Wednesday's World Cup play-off between France and the Republic of Ireland to Irish viewers.
The state channel, RTÉ remains locked in negotiations with the French Football Federation (FFF) but has yet to secure the television rights for the all-important second leg at the Stade de France.
A spokeswoman for the national broadcaster confirmed on Monday that "negotiations are ongoing" and they will work right up until Wednesday's 8pm kick-off (9pm local time) to ensure Irish fans get to see the match.
Sky Sports, which is also in the running, refused to comment but is believed to be unwilling to match the price sought by the FFF.
No figures have been disclosed but it has been reported in France that the FFF is seeking €1.5 million for the rights.
Le Parisien newspaper claimed last week that RTÉ had tabled an offer of €600,000.
But fears are growing that Ireland could end up with a scenario similar to 1999, when the away leg of Ireland's Euro 2000 play-off against Turkey was not broadcast in this country at all.
On that occasion, the Turkish FA was looking for €3 million for the television rights, a price that no broadcaster was willing to meet.
(BMcC/GK)