Shamrock Rovers are considering restricting RTÉ from broadcasting live League of Ireland games at Tallaght Stadium for the remainder of the season. The root of Rovers’ grievance lies in the national channel not airing any European qualifiers involving Irish teams this year.
Moreover, the first leg of Rovers’ playoff against Greek team, PAOK, happening this Thursday and held with the objective of reaching the Europa League group stages, will only be accessible via LOITV streaming.
As expressed by the club through a press statement, despite numerous attempts to strike a deal with a free-to-air national broadcaster throughout the four rounds of European matches, they’ve had no success. However, live streaming has enabled fans to support the Hoops, both at home and European games, during July and August.
The Rovers lamented the absence of exposure that these exhilarating games have received in the wider Irish community. Key moments like the heart-stopping penalty miss in their first home tie, which pushed the team into the second round of the Champions League qualifiers, their spectacular match against Sparta Prague before a packed Tallaght Stadium, and their remarkable rebound after an initial away game loss to finally beat Celje in extra time and enter the UEFA Conference League round, weren’t broadcasted on Irish terrestrial TV.
Should Rovers be defeated by PAOK in the two legs, they will shift to the Conference League, ensuring them six additional European games and a guaranteed windfall of at least €4 million.
Rovers have suggested refusing any further requests from the national broadcaster for airing SSE Airtricity Premier Division matches from Tallaght Stadium in 2024.
St Patrick’s Athletic’s Conference League playoff against Istanbul Başakşehir FK, this Thursday at Tallaght stadium, will also only be viewable on an unconfirmed streaming service. A win could see the Inchicore squad pocketing a minimum of €4 million in winnings if they advance to the group stages under Stephen Kenny.
RTÉ were asked to provide a response but have yet to do so.