• Sky ends speculation that BT was to take over deal • Agreement takes partnership into its 20th year

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Sky Sports is to continue showing matches from La Liga after extending its contract with the Spanish competition for another three seasons

There had been speculation recently that BT was about to hijack the deal to add to its existing football rights which include the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

However, Sky has fought back by retaining the rights to the star-laden league to take the partnership into its 20th year.

Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: “The agreement means our viewers can enjoy the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale and Neymar week in, week out throughout the football season.

“We’re proud to take our partnership with La Liga into its 20th year and remain the home of Spanish football for another three years.”

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, added: “We are delighted to continue our partnership for another three years. La Liga has a huge global fan base and by renewing with Sky Sports, the agreement provides us with the best possible way to showcase our league, our teams and our players to our UK and Irish audience.”