The "negotiations" between RTE, the BBC and Turkey's Star TV over the coverage of the second leg of the Republic of Ireland's play-off in Bursa on Wednesday were continuing but were far from resolved yesterday.
Having missed Friday's 3.00 p.m. deadline for payment of $2 million to Star TV for the television rights to the game, the price absurdly shot up to $3 million, an amount RTE are unwilling to pay. The process is further complicated by the fact that RTE have not been able to renew contact with Star TV despite strenuous efforts via phone and fax. In what is unravelling into a high-stakes poker-type bluff, it is assumed that $3 million is now the price tag.
"Realistically, we've narrowed ourselves down to 36 hours before the game. We really need to know by close of business on Monday to be be able to organise everything before the match," said an RTE spokesman.
Condemned as profiteering by RTE, the Turkish station's antics have also been described as unprecedented in broadcasting and unlike anything RTE, the BBC or Setanta (an Irish independent TV company) have ever experienced. Star TV bought the rights to the match from the Turkish football association while the FAI sold the rights to Ireland's home game to Turkish television for what appears to have been an acceptable amount. Setanta, who require more time than RTE to set up their service, have already pulled out of the match.
It is hoped that in addition to pressure from the networks, the financial kick-backs for pitch advertising by Irish companies could force Star TV to change their mind. It is understood that that outdoor advertising in the Bursa stadium has been sold to Irish companies on the understanding that there would be coverage of the match in Ireland.
The BBC appeared more pessimistic yesterday with a London spokeswoman stating that they were still seeking an agreement.
A BBC executive, who was in Dublin for the match on Saturday, was also unsure of whether the network would be in a position to broadcast the game. "BBC 2 still have a slot available for transmission of the match and are continuing to negotiate with RTE, but BBC 2 need to know soon because they will have to fill the slot with something else and need time to consider that option. The figure as it stands is not acceptable," he said.
What is certain, however, is that while RTE and BBC television continue in their efforts to negotiate until the last moment, RTE Radio will definitely cover the match. Gabriel Egan will provide full commentary for the station on RTE Radio 1.
