The Broadcasting Authority (BA) yesterday announced that agreement had been reached in the months-long dispute involving the Malta Football Association and the three local broadcasting stations, that is, TVM, One TV and Net TV.

The three stations had failed to reach agreement with the association over TV rights for local football transmissions with the consequence that these were taken by Melita Cable. The three stations had decided to boycott local football, although recently some results were being announced.

In a statement issued yesterday, the BA said the agreement was reached after mediation by the Authority through the goodwill of all the parties involved.

Thanks to the agreement, the broadcasters will be able to transmit free of charge a short film of the matches – not longer than 90 seconds – which has to be screened during the news bulletins.

The MFA has agreed that important filmed highlights of local football matches and those of the national team of up to 180 seconds may be screed so long as these will not be used to make comments which would insult players and match officials, club officials and the association. Towards this aim, the three stations have agreed to compensate the association adequately.

The MFA has also granted the stations the right to transmit in a delayed manner, matches involving the national team which are played locally. On their part, the stations have agreed to include promotional spots in favour of the MFA which will be free of charge. These will be aimed at increasing stadium attendances and therefore an improvement in the performances of the national team.

The agreement binds the parties involved till the end of the 2007-2008 season.