SOCCER:BSkyB will fork out over €2billion after securing five of the six packages of live Premier League football from the 2010-11 season to the end of 2012-13, with Setanta claiming the sixth.

The Premier League confirmed the overall value of the six packages, which each contain 23 live games, is £1.782bn (€2.04bn).

Setanta have held on to the Saturday evening slot but the Monday night match has returned to Sky.

The Premier League will be delighted to have reported an increase in the value of their live rights despite the tough economic climate.

In the last bidding process for the 2007-08 campaign through to the 2009-10 season, the overall figure was believed to be around £1.7bn (€1.95bn).

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: “The Barclays Premier League is a fantastic competition.

“The continued investment in playing talent and facilities made by the clubs is largely down to the revenue generated through the sale of our broadcast rights.

“The live UK rights are the largest contribution to the revenues we distribute centrally to the clubs and this deal gives them the stability to plan and invest in the most important aspect of our business — the football — everything else flows from that.

“I look forward to continuing our good working relationship with BSkyB and Setanta who both provide excellent programming for fans of Premier League football.

“I would also like to thank all of those broadcasters who took part in the bidding process.”