BBC to bring top flight football back to free TV after agreeing new deal

A deal has been agreed

All of the BBC's channels are fee to air in the UK, for those with a TV licence, making this new agreement of landmark significance to football fans.

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Kicking off from Sunday (15 February), the new package was agreed with global streaming outlet DAZN and will be available to viewers of the BBC's Alba channel.

DAZN has given permission for Serie A matches to be sub-licensed to the BBC, allowing fans in Scotland to see their superstar midfielder Scott McTominay in action for Napoli.

The first Serie A match shown on BBC Sport will be Torino vs Bologna on Sunday, featuring Scotland star Che Adams.

A key motivation for the new partnership is believed to be interest in Serie A from Scottish viewers.

At current, and aside from McTominay, there are six other Scotsmen plying their trade in Italy.

Fans are reportedly keen to see them all play as regualrly as possible before Steve Clarke's side kick-off their World Cup campaign this summer.

The announcement was made by Margaret Cameron, Alba's director of content, who said: "This is a great opportunity for fans in Scotland to see these games free-to-air and enjoy watching the fantastic Scottish talent in Serie A in the run up to the World Cup."

A full schedule of fixtures is expected to be released in the coming days.