Russian Football Union president Vitaly Mutko has said a deal has been agreed for broadcast rights in the country to the Uefa Euro 2016 national team tournament.
Russia has proved a problem market for Uefa and its sales agency CAA Eleven in terms of the rights to the European Qualifiers for Euro 2016, as well as the finals which will be held in France next year.
Russia had been faced with a broadcast blackout ahead of its key qualifier against Sweden on September 5 due to a financial dispute over the rights. This dispute was resolved ahead of the key game, which Russia won 1-0, and state-owned broadcaster VGTRK broadcast that game, along with Friday’s match in Moldova. It is set to televise Russia’s final qualifier against Montenegro today (Monday).
Questioned by the Sovsport.ru website on whether Uefa has received payment for the rights, including for Euro 2016 itself, Mutko, who is also Russia’s Sports Minister, said: “The rights have been redeemed. Now we have to determine who will show them. The situation is new. A new channel. But now we have to play a match with Montenegro, and then come back to this topic.”
Following Friday’s 2-1 win in Moldova, Russia enters today’s home clash with Montenegro needing a point to ensure qualification for Euro 2016 as runner-up behind Austria in Group G.