The ABC could be on the verge of becoming a serious player in the Australian football broadcasting landscape after securing a deal to screen all of Australia's matches at January's Asian Cup live on free-to-air television – plus November's glamour friendly against Japan in Osaka.

A deal was struck over the weekend between Football Federation Australia and existing rights-holder Fox Sports to ensure the tournament is broadcast to as many viewers as possible outside the pay television domain. In addition to broadcasting Australia's matches, a nightly highlights show will screen on ABC at 10pm and it will also broadcast the quarter-final and semi-final matches on delay. In addition, the ABC is already the tournament's official radio broadcaster.

"The ABC was uniquely positioned, across TV, radio and online to join with us": FFA chief executive David Gallop. Credit:Getty Images

FFA chief executive David Gallop hailed the announcement as an opportunity for all Australians to see the Socceroos in action on home soil.

"To have a multi-platform, subscription and free-to-air broadcast partnership gives all Australians the chance to watch the Socceroos as they strive to achieve the mantle of Asia's best football team," he said. "The FFA has strong relationships with a number of broadcasters and in this case the ABC was uniquely positioned, across TV, radio and online to join with us and Fox Sports in bringing the AFC Asian Cup to as many Australians as possible."