Deal for Ireland's play-off rights to go to wire

Fears that fans of the Republic of Ireland will face a television blackout of tomorrow's decisive World Cup qualifying match against France were played down last night by broadcasting sources, who said that an 11th-hour deal is "the most probable outcome".

The tie is delicately poised, with the French having a 1-0 advantage going into their home leg, for which the rights are held by the French Football Federation. Nicolas Anelka's deflected goal in Croke Park on Saturday proved the difference between the sides.

But as of last night the FFF had not sold those rights for broadcast either in Ireland or Britain, amid suggestions they were asking too high a price at £1.3m. RTE (in Ireland) and Sky Sports (for Britain) were thought to be closest to sealing deals last night, but the bartering could go to the wire. "I would be surprised if this game is not live both in Ireland and in Britain," one source said. "The value could not be gauged accurately until after the first leg and whether the second match was attractive."

Sky and RTE declined to comment. Irish fans in Ireland have missed out on coverage of a play-off before, when no deal was agreed for the away leg of the Euro 2000 play-off against Turkey.