RTÉ's plans to screen English Premiership soccer on Saturday afternoons will face objections from Northern Ireland football authorities.
The Belfast-based Irish Football Association (IFA) fears the live games, due to be screened at the same time as Irish League games in Northern Ireland, would drastically affect attendances at their matches.
Mr Jim Boyce, chairman of the IFA, said he intended to ask FIFA and UEFA to have the live English games blacked out in the North completely.
This is unlikely under EU restrictive trade regulations, however, Northern football authorities may be entitled to compensation for their 16 clubs over loss of attendances.
Mr Boyce said: "I know that live English matches are already being shown here on satellite stations, but making it more widely available on easily accessible channels such as RTÉ for nothing could be the death knell for our clubs here."
Under the terms of the three-year deal announced last week, estimated to be worth in the region of €5 million, RTÉ will broadcast 15 Saturday afternoon fixtures during the 2004/2005 season.
RTÉ has also retained the rights to show highlights of matches on Saturday evenings in its Premiership programme.
Those who have digital television will be able to access another 15 games on Setanta's Sports channel on a pay-per-view basis.
Both television companies beat off competition from other bidders, including TV3.
Viewing figures for live games involving teams with substantial Irish support, such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, typically draw large numbers of viewers. Champions League games involving Manchester United have attracted audiences of more than 400,000 in the Republic. Reception of RTÉ in Northern Ireland is limited and it is difficult to measure the potential audience.