MAJOR sports fixtures are set to stay on free to watch TV channels across Europe as a result of a deal agreed in Brussels.

The plan, expected to be formally endorsed by ministers, will put new restrictions on the growing trend for TV sports to be viewable only by viewers with cable or satellite. The breakthrough is expected to stop events like the World Cup and Olympic Games being sold to pay per view channels.

It strengthens, and brings to other countries, benefits already enjoyed in Britain where there is a national list of such protected sports events.

Euro MPs and EU government representatives have decided that each country should draw up its own list of sports programmes which should remain freely available to viewers.