Sky Sports Inks Deals for World Cup Qualifier

Sky Sports has sealed deals to bring next weekend’s FIFA World Cup play-off final between Wales and Scotland or Ukraine to ITV, S4C and STV.

The winner of the match will make it into the FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar this November. It will be free to view on ITV in England, S4C in Wales and STV in Scotland. It will also be carried on Sky Sports.

Jonathan Licht, managing director of Sky Sports, commented: “Next Sunday’s game is a huge fixture for Wales and Scotland supporters and for football fans throughout the U.K. and Ireland. We are thrilled to make a game of such national sporting significance available to the widest possible audience, thanks to our partnership with ITV, S4C and STV.”

Niall Sloane, ITV’s director of sport, said: “This agreement ensures free-to-air coverage for all football fans for the crucial World Cup play-off final. The deal with Sky Sports will bring fans of the Home Nations the chance to watch their team progress to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which we hope our viewers will enjoy.”

Bobby Hain, managing director of broadcast at STV, said: “After initiating discussions with Sky Sports and working closely with them to secure an agreement, we’re delighted that this potentially historic moment in Scottish international football will be available for everyone to watch for free on STV. There is, of course, a decisive fixture to come before then, but regardless of the result, it’s hugely exciting to have international football returning to STV next Sunday.”

Sian Doyle, S4C chief executive, said: “The play-off final is one of the biggest games in the recent history of the Welsh football team and one the whole nation will be watching with tremendous excitement. S4C is here to provide a service to the people of Wales, and we are proud to be a part of the Red Wall. We will be turning our channel red to show our support for the team, and we will be behind them all the way. We hope Wales supporters will join us and enjoy our coverage. Yma o Hyd.”

Sky previously worked with Channel 4 for coverage of the Cricket World Cup in 2019 and the race between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the 2021 Formula One season.