BBC and BT Sport will keep the all-important FA Cup rights until 2021

They sign a new three-year joint deal



The FA Cup will be staying with BT Sport and BBC Television for another three years, taking their joint coverage up to at least 2021.

Part of the deal includes showing more matches in the early stages of the competition, plus youth games, and upping the number of women's football matches shown - so lots of additional coverage.

Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, said: "We are delighted to retain the rights to broadcast the most famous domestic cup competition in the world on free to air TV.

"The renewed deal will bring audiences closer to the action than ever before via an innovative digital offering across all platforms and showcase our commitment to the women's game."

Martin Glenn, FA chief executive, said: "It is a competition loved not only in this country but throughout the world, as demand for broadcast rights globally highlight.

"The competition is all about the success of the underdog and this season has seen some more fantastic stories."

Meanwhile, Gary Lineker will continue as pundit for both Match of the Day on the BBC and BT Sport for the Champions League matches.

The BT Sport punditry team also includes Paul Scholes, Michael Owen, Steve McManaman and Owen Hargreaves, as well as new signings Steven Gerrard, Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle and Howard Webb.