[UKintheUS]

Euro 2008 matches to air on ABC, ESPN

For the first time, UEFA has entered into direct broadcast carriage negotiations with broadcasters outside Europe.

As part of a package negotiated with Disney, all Euro 2008 matches bar two will air on ESPN in North America, with the other two - as yet unspecified - matches to air on the terrestrial network ABC.

"The feedback to the tender has been very positive, which confirms the strength of the UEFA Euro 2008 as a truly global property," said Philippe Le Floc'h, Director of Marketing and Media Rights at UEFA. "We are delighted by the outcome of the process and are convinced that these new partnerships will lead to the most comprehensive and wide-reaching promotional platform ever for UEFA European Football Championship in territories ex-Europe."