Delight as Latics net cash windfall

ATHLETIC will cash in by playing in the first-ever FA Cup tie to be broadcast live over the Internet.

The high-profile first round clash with Leeds United at Boundary Park on Saturday, November 7, is an all-ticket affair with a 5.15pm kick-off and those unable to make it along in person can watch the game free of charge by logging on to the www.theFA.com website.

Both Athletic and Leeds will pick up £67,500 as a result of the tie-up — the same amount as provided to those sides being shown live on ITV1, though down on last season’s equivalent of £75,000 — with the winners also pocketing £18,000 in prize money.

Athletic have expressed their gratitude to the parties that made it possible.

“We were offered a financial boost by the FA by having the game broadcast over the internet via the FA’s website and I am pleased that negotiations with the police went well,” said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy.

“They have been very accommodating knowing that the broadcast fee is vital to the club and I would like to place on record my thanks to them.”

The FA also plan to stream a second-round tie to temporarily fill the gap left by collapsed previous rights holders Setanta, giving the governing body time to find a new broadcast partner for ITV1 before round three in January.

The terrestrial channel is to show two matches in both rounds one and two. Paulton Rovers’ home first-round tie against Norwich will be broadcast live on Saturday, November 7 (12.45pm kick off), as will Northwich Victoria’s home match against Charlton on Sunday, November 8 (1.30pm).

Reserved seating is in place for all the stands when Athletic take on Leeds, with the visitors allocated the whole of the Leesfield Development Stand.

Tickets go on sale today for season-ticket holders and can be purchased on production of voucher ‘A’ at the main ticket office.

They will then go on general sale from 9am on Sunday and again after the Huddersfield Town game.

No tickets will be available on the day of the Leeds match and normal matchday prices apply.


>Athletic will receive £67,500 from FA coffers, the same as those clubs being shown on ITV1.

> This is the first FA Cup tie to be shown live online.

> The game is free to view on www.theFA.com

> The FA is using the Perform Group’s streaming services and distribution network, which broadcast England’s European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Macedonia earlier this month.