TV bosses agree Ireland play-off deal

Republic of Ireland fans will be able to watch as their nation's bid for World Cup qualification comes to a conclusion after television bosses finally struck a deal.

Tomorrow night's play-off second-leg clash with France in Paris will be screened live on RTE 2, also broadcast on RTE Radio 1 and streamed live on RTE.ie.

There had been fears that fans back at home would not be able to see Giovanni Trapattoni's side attempt to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit at the Stade de France amid a row over the rights.

However, RTE, who have been involved in lengthy discussions in recent days, today confirmed agreement had been reached.

Glen Killane, Group Head of Sport, RTE said: "Following extensive negotiations between RTE and the French Football Federation, I'm delighted to announce that a deal has been agreed which will give the Irish public the opportunity to enjoy this crucial game live and free-to-air across all of RTE's platforms."

Reports at the weekend suggested neither RTE nor Sky Sports were willing to meet the 1.5million Euros fee the FFF had quoted them after the Football Association of Ireland sold the rights to Saturday's game to independent broadcaster M6.

RTE's audience for that match, which was won by Nicolas Anelka's second-half strike, peaked at 1.1million viewers.