BBC fends off Five for Premiership rights

The BBC has kept hold of the rights to air Premier League highlights, despite a strong challenge from Five.

The three-year deal - beginning with the 2007/08 season - is worth £171.6 million, a rise of more than 60% on the previous, £105m contract.

The move ensures the future of Match of the Day on Saturday nights, Sunday evenings and applicable weekday evenings.

Premier League chief exec Richard Scudamore said he was "very pleased" with the outcome. "The market for the highlights rights was very competitive and we were extremely impressed by other proposals. However we now look forward to extending the great relationship we have with the BBC, one that goes further than this rights deal.”