The BBC and ITV are to battle it out for the rights to screen live premiership football games, according to the Media Guardian.

The move follows an upcoming ruling by the European Union which is expected to force the Premier League to sell two live rights packages, one for pay TV broadcasters and one for terrestrial. Sky has held exclusive rights to the live games since 1992, a fact which the EU believes restricts choice for viewers.

Under the proposals, Sky would be allowed to retain the 66 matches it airs live each season, but another package -- consisting of 20 to 40 extra games -- would be made available for terrestrial transmission.

The League is understood to be preparing a legal challenge to the ruling, however, in a battle which could cost millions and last nearly four years.