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The European Commission (EC) has confirmed proposals to split the rights to live Premier League games between multiple broadcasters.
The deal, first reached last November, would see the rights split into six packages of 23 games each from the 2007-08 season. A single broadcaster will be able to purchase a maximum of five packages only, ending Sky's long-standing monopoly of live games.
"The solution we have reached will benefit football fans while allowing the Premier League to maintain its timetable for the sale of its rights," said Neelie Kroes, EU antitrust commissioner. "The new commitments will increase the availability of media rights and improve the prospect of competition in providing services to consumers."
NTL Telewest and Setanta have expressed interest in securing at least one package, possibly as part of a joint bid, while Channel 4 and Five are likely to duel for a package comprising 23 games with a 5.15pm kickoff on Saturday evenings.
