More Cash On the Way For Fulham & Other Prem Clubs

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http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/12/04/prem-clubs-set-for-huge-cash-windfall-from-middle-east-tv-deals-102039-23607761/



Prem clubs set for huge cash windfall from Middle East TV deals


Dec 4 2011 by Alan Nixon, The People



Premier LEAGUE clubs are in for a massive cash windfall from the Middle East – as rival TV stations slug it out.

The next contract to cover the world's most popular league competition has sparked a cheque book battle between Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

That will mean millions in extra revenue for English clubs, and the cash rich states could even replace Sky and take over the WHOLE Premier League programme.

Abu Dhabi TV currently have the rights to cover the Premier League in their area, but local rivals Al Jazeera – based in Qatar – want a piece too.

Al Jazeera already have the Champions League, paying fortunes to pundits like Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Graeme Souness.

But the station wants to claim the ultimate prize ahead of Abu Dhabi and sources close to the negotiations say that the bidding may 'go through the roof'.

Sky have not had any serious rivals in the past 20 years, but that could change.

An Arab football expert told People Sport: "Qatar is a very wealthy state and thinks the best way to make friends and allies worldwide is to be known as a 'football' state."