Following a meeting today the F.A. Premier League Clubs unanimously approved the sale of their international audio-visual rights for a total of £178m over a period of three years commencing with the 2001-02 season.

The consortium that secured the rights is made up of Sport +, Newscorp, TWI and Octagon CSI.

Commenting on the deal, F.A. Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore stated: ‘This is an exceptionally good arrangement for all parties. We are pleased to be able to renew our partnership with Sport + and TWI, extend our relationship with Newscorp and welcome Octagon CSI back into the fold.’

‘After lengthy negotiations we have concluded a deal that recognises the enormous global strength of the F.A. Premier League. The exposure this gives us will enhance the reputation of the League and its member Clubs throughout the world.’

Jerome Valcke, Chief Executive of Sport +, who led the consortium stated: ‘This is absolutely fantastic news. We have secured the overseas rights for the biggest League in World football. The demand for Premiership games abroad is ever increasing and we are looking forward to a successful and exciting partnership over the next three seasons.’

At the same meeting Clubs were also fully updated on the status of negotiations with regard to Pay Per View rights and the programme of title and associate sponsors for the next three seasons.

After the meeting Richard Scudamore said: ‘The Clubs have today acknowledged that it would be best if the final stages of this process are concluded whilst working to our own time scales between now and the end of the season. It is also important that Carling, as our current title sponsors, continue to attract the recognition their investment deserves.’

For further information:

Philip French or Dan Johnson
FAPL Press Office
020 7298 1690

Graham Fry
TWI – 020 8233 5472

Tim Moufarri GE
Octagon Worldwide – 020 7881 8888

Jerome Valcke
Sport+ – 00 33 1 44 25 76 10

Ian Frykberg
Newscorp – 00 61 2 9380 4866