Updated at 15.00
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION of Ireland (FAI) has this morning announced a groundbreaking media partnership which will see every SSE Airtricity League game streamed live around the world.
The four-year deal with TRACKCHAMP will provide an additional source of revenue for the sport’s governing body with League of Ireland fixtures being shown outside of this island.
From next season onwards, more than 250 domestic fixtures will be brought to a new audience, enhancing the league’s global reach, brand awareness and granting players further exposure.
“We are constantly striving to improve the SSE Airtricity League,” John Delaney, FAI CEO, commented.
“The introduction of exciting new technologies which will increase global reach and will allow clubs to gather increased technological analysis can only be good for the national game.”
TRACKCHAMP becomes the FAI’s official video and data partner and the partnership is expected to create up to 15 jobs.
The service won’t, however, be available in Ireland with the current broadcasting deals with RTÉ and Setanta Sports presumably preventing an agreement to be made.
“For us, this is about the democratisation of football,” Martin Fureder of TRACKCHAMP added.
“TRACKCHAMP is designed specifically for the ambitious leagues to help bring them closer to the likes of the Premier League and Bundesliga. We are confident that our technology will widen fan engagement and generate new commercial revenue streams for our partner leagues.”
The new season begins on 4 March 2016.
