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Republic Of Ireland Fans Face TV Blackout For Second Leg With France

Fans may have to follow their heroes' progress away from television screens...

Nov 12, 2009 10:48:50 AM

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Giovanni Trapattoni - Ireland (PA)

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Republic of Ireland fans may not be able to watch the second leg of their team's World Cup qualifying play-off with France on television next Wednesday night due to a dispute over broadcasting rights.

Irish broadcasters RTE and Sky Sports are negotiating with the French Football Federation and local broadcasters TF1 but have so far been unable to reach agreement about next week's game.

Press Association Sport reports that the FFF is demanding €1.5 million for the game after the Football Association of Ireland's decision to hand rights for this Saturday's first leg in Dublin to the highest bidder, independent channel M6, for around €4.5m.

As it stands at the moment, Irish fans face the very real prospect of not seeing their heroes potentially clinch a place at next summer's World Cup finals.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK