BBC signs new radio rights deal for FA Cup

MUMBAI: The Football Association (FA) has agreed a new six season deal with BBC Sport for the radio commentary rights for all men?s and women?s FA Cup & International matches along with the Community Shield.

The deal covers the qualification campaigns for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, and the 2016 European Championships.

BBC Sport director Barbara Slater said, "We?re delighted to have secured another agreement for the commentary rights on BBC Radio 5 live for the FA Cup and International matches. Both have a strong heritage on BBC radio and are hugely valued by our listeners. It?s really exciting to take it forward for another six seasons."

The agreement covers the 2012/13 season and runs through to the end of the 2017/18 season.

BBC Radio 5 live controller Adrian Van-Klaveren said, "The agreement means we can continue to offer BBC Radio 5 live listeners the best coverage of matches and tournaments which they really care about. We?re delighted that we will continue to capture all the action and drama over the next six seasons."

The FA general secretary Alex Horne commented, "We?re delighted that the BBC will be bringing The FA Cup, England internationals and the Community Shield to large audiences nationwide. It will be an exciting year for England as Roy Hodgson leads us into the World Cup qualifying campaign and some mouth-watering fixtures as part of The FA?s 150th anniversary celebrations. We thank BBC 5 Radio live for their support and look forward to working with them over the next six seasons."