FA hoping to contain fallout from Setanta

The Football Association are hopeful they will be able to minimise the impact of Setanta's collapse on the grass–roots game.

The FA need to cover a £100million gap in their finances after Setanta went into administration and will now sell off the rights to England and FA Cup matches previously held by the Irish broadcaster.

Setanta were 12 months into a four–year deal with the FA worth £150million, and it is understood £100million was still to be paid.

FA chief executive Ian Watmore is confident there will be significant interest in the rights and any shortfall will be a cut in profits rather than a loss – though that will mean less money for grass–roots football.

Watmore said: "Obviously it's very disappointing that Setanta have gone into administration – and we have every sympathy for all the staff, customers and football supporters affected.

"Unfortunately, while the FA were able to agree on a way forward with Setanta, this has not been possible, due to the problems they encountered in other areas of their business.”