Sky Sports has confirmed it has struck a deal allowing ITV, STV and S4C to screen live free-to-air coverage of the match between Wales and Scotland or Ukraine on 5th June.
Sky says this is the latest example of opening up free-to-air coverage to public service broadcasters for major events of national importance.
Coverage of the game will start at 5pm on Sunday 5th June across Sky Sports, ITV, S4C and STV.
The important fixture will see the winner securing a place at the FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar this November. It’s the culmination of a long qualifying campaign for both home nations, following the initial postponement of Scotland’s fixture with Ukraine after Russia’s invasion. Wales beat Austria 2-1 back in March and has had to wait for the result of the Scotland v Ukraine match.
Who will face Wales on 5th June?
The deciding match between Scotland v Ukraine will be shown on Sky Sports on Wednesday 1st June at 7:45pm, with the winner going forward to face Wales on free-to-air TV the following Sunday.
Responses from broadcasters to the deal
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 UK 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 Director of Sport added:
“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. 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.”
Previous occasions when Sky made sports coverage free-to-air
- In 2019, Sky partnered with Channel 4 to show England’s bid to lift the Cricket World Cup for the first time.
- In 2021, Sky again partnered with Channel 4 for the F1 final. A combined peak audience of 7.4 million people watched Max Verstappen seal the World Championship title