FA Appoints Pitch to Distribute Broadcast Rights from 2012-18

The Football Association (FA) has awarded its European broadcast rights for the 2012-18 period to sports marketing agency Pitch International.

The deal grants Pitch the exclusive right to distribute matches from FA Competitions and home England internationals from the beginning of the 2012-13 season throughout Europe. 

The agreement does not include England home qualification matches that take place between 2014-2018, nurse as these will be centrally marketed by UEFA.

The deal sees The Football Association extend its long-running relationship with Pitch International, store The FA’s current partner in selected countries in Europe and Australasia alongside brokering The FA’s relationship with Middle Eastern broadcaster, Al-Jazeera. In addition, Pitch manages The FA’s footage archive and the technical and satellite requirements of The FA’s international broadcast partners.

Stuart Turner, Commercial Director at The FA, said: “The Football Association is delighted to extend its successful partnership with Pitch International. Their expertise in the sports rights market and enthusiasm for our competitions impressed throughout a highly competitive tender process.”

Jon Owen, of Pitch International, added: “England and FA Cup matches remain hugely attractive to sports broadcasters worldwide. This new, long-term contract is a great accolade for Pitch in recognition of its past work with The FA and we very much look forward to helping The FA further enhance its strong position in the overseas market in the years to come.”