ITV1 will screen an extra live match for both the First and Second Rounds of The FA Cup - increasing the network’s existing competition commitments to two live matches per round.
A third tie in each round will be shown live and free of charge on www.TheFA.com. This follows the successful streaming of England U21's European Qualifier against Macedonia earlier this month.
Highlights of all matches will be screened on ITV1 - and will all be available right here on ITV.com!
The coverage of the earlier rounds remains the same as last season with three live games broadcast. The FA are continuing to negotiate a long-term replacement deal for the rights previously held by Setanta.
ITV4 will now also broadcast one replay in both the First and Second Rounds. The FA will stream the second replay free-to-air on www.TheFA.com in each round.
FA Chief Executive Ian Watmore said: "We are extremely pleased that our long-term broadcast partner, ITV, has expanded its already comprehensive coverage of the competition, bringing great early-round action to its viewers. We’re also excited to be broadcasting live matches on the Internet once again.
"While we continue negotiating our long-term broadcast rights strategy we are delighted that supporters will be in a position to access these games at no additional cost.”
ITV Controller of Sport Niall Sloane said: “We’re delighted to extend ITV’s relationship with The FA to broadcast live coverage of these extra games. With two live matches available free to air on ITV1 over both the first and second round weekends, as well as replays and highlights, it will be a great start to our coverage of this year’s competition.”
The games involved are:
Paulton Rovers v Norwich City: Saturday 7 November, 12.45pm KO on ITV1
Oldham Athletic v Leeds United: Saturday 7 November, 5.15pm KO - streamed live on www.TheFA.com
Northwich Victoria v Charlton Athletic: Sunday, 8 November, 1.30pm KO on ITV1: followed by the Second Round Draw live with Jim Rosenthal at 3.35pm.
