ARMCHAIR sports fans will still be able to watch national sporting events on mainstream television, after a key Euro deal was struck in Strasbourg this week, says local Euro MP Gary Titley.

The European Parliament and EU national governments finally shook hands on an agreement which will guarantees continued TV coverage of major events on channels open to everyone, Mr Titley explained.

The Euro MP is a keen sports fan.

He said he was relieved that a decision had finally been made, after what he dubbed was "the longest period of extra time MEPs have had to play in a long while."

Mr Titley has been a leading light in pressing for the deal.

During a debate in Strasbourg he said: "Although these negotiations have dragged on for some time, the result is a victory for all true lovers of sport.

"Millions of sports fans, including many in my own constituency will feel that they have won the cup today."

Now all EU national governments must prepare lists of the general public's favourite sporting events to protect them from being broadcast only on subscription channels.

Britain's new Labour government has already pledged to make sure that the FA Cup Final, the England cricket team's home test matches, Wimbledon and other major events are still available on ordinary TV channels for the licence paying public.

"They are an important part of popular culture and should be enjoyed by the nation as a whole," Mr Titley added.

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