THE A-LEAGUE will appear on free-to-air television for the first time next season as part of Football Federation Australia’s new four-year $160-million broadcast rights deal, announced in Sydney on Monday.

SBS will enter into a joint partnership with Foxtel that will allow the government broadcaster to show every Friday night A-League match live with all finals matches on a one-hour delay. All of Australia’s World Cup qualifying matches will also be screened on an hour delay.

Landmark deal ... FFA chairman Frank Lowy with new chief executive David Gallop. Credit:Brendan Esposito

Foxtel will continue broadcast every game of the A-League live and cover all of the Socceroos matches live over the next four years.

The deal will comprise $148 million in cash in addition to $12 million marketing support. The deal will formally commence on July 1 next year.