The FA Cup has been shown on terrestrial channels BBC and ITV in recent seasons, and now fans are left disgruntled after a new television deal has seen TNT Sports secure the rights to show the competition.
Football fans say the FA should be 'ashamed' for 'sabotaging' the FA Cup with a historic new TV deal.
The FA announced a new agreement with TNT Sports on Thursday. The agreement will see the channel broadcast FA Cup matches from the 2025/26 season, a deal that will run for four seasons.
This will include matches from the first round until the final. All matches outside of Saturday will be broadcast at 3pm on TV. TNT Sports will lead the coverage, while the FA will ensure that “select matches” will remain available on free-to-air television – with the BBC and ITV having broadcast FA Cup matches in the past despite their own deals ending. At the end of next season.
Traditionalists have already expressed concerns that the FA Cup will now default to a paywall, but the FA stresses that matches will still be available for free even if TNT Sports is likely to opt for the plum links.
But this did not satisfy many fans who were left disgruntled by the announcement. Some took to Twitter to express their disappointment at the idea of the FA Cup moving to a subscription service.
“Disgusting decision, putting the FA Cup behind a paywall should be banned,” one fan wrote, while another said: “Terrible decision, no more freedom to stream FA Cup matches or very little, should be banned.” The English Federation should be ashamed.”
Criticism continued after the announcement. “Getting everything free to air was great. At least that includes everything except 3pm but still,” one supporter said.
Another said: “This is ruining it. It should have always been on BBC/ITV etc.” Another fan said: “The power went off at 3pm, the Champions League is no longer being shown on itv and the FA Cup is no longer free to watch on the BBC. What a mess. We might as well introduce a live streaming service and give us “More. Football is not the same.” Provide the Blue Card as well and the list is endless.”
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Explaining the new deal, Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the FA, said: “The Emirates FA Cup is our crown jewel, helping us provide vital investment at every level of English football, supporting clubs, communities, facilities and more widely.” Popular game.
He added: “Every season, and every round, the Emirates Football Cup creates amazing moments and unforgettable memories for fans, and this new partnership will see selected matches shown live on TNT Sports, in addition to a live broadcast, from the first round of the tournament.” Competition until the final at Wembley Stadium.
“TNT Sports is an outstanding broadcaster with an impressive record of showcasing some of the biggest and best sporting events around the world, so we are delighted to be working with them on our shared commitment and long-term vision that will ensure the Emirates FA Cup continues to thrive over the coming years.”
Elsewhere, Andrew Georgiou, president and managing director of Warner Bros., said: Discovery UK & Ireland said: “TNT Sports is proud to partner with the FA to offer more matches in the world's most prestigious domestic cup competition than ever before alongside our fantastic range of Premier League, Champions League and club competitions, bringing more football to the world. Live foot for TNT Sports customers.
“The Emirates FA Cup and the incredible stories it creates every season go beyond football, making TNT Sports the perfect home as we continue to tell the stories that matter most to fans.
He added: “We have a great deal of respect for the place this world-famous competition holds in the hearts of football fans, which is why continuing to ensure we maintain a level of free coverage is important to us and the FA.”
Apart from the FA Cup, TNT Sports has also agreed to broadcast the Community Shield Cup, the FA Youth Cup semi-final and the final.
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