FAI claims Sky deal vital for Irish soccer

The FAI has again defended its television rights deal with Sky, claiming it was vital in order to secure the future of the game in Ireland.

As the Minister of Communications, Mr Ahern, prepares to present a list of protected sporting events to the cabinet this afternoon - believed to include all home soccer internationals - the FAI released a statement justifying its decision to strike a deal with the subscription based channel.

Under the deal with Sky all of Ireland's European 2004 home qualifying games will be aired on Sky Television only.

The deal was necessary in order to "protect the game for the young people of Ireland" according to the FAI statement.

"The need for funding of the game at schoolboy, youth, under-age and senior levels is paramount and retention of all available funds including the TV rights income has become absolutely vital for the future development of the game," an FAI spokesman added.