Football League signs global broadcast deal

The Football League have agreed a record five-year overseas broadcasting contract.

The deal with global agency Pitch International will see the worldwide distribution of matches from the beginning of the 2012/13 season.

The new agreement sees the Football League return to a single broadcast partner in Pitch International, currently the League's partner in the Middle East, distributing rights for npower Football League and Carling Cup matches across the globe.

Currently, TV broadcasts of the Football League and Carling Cup games are received in 96 different countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

"The Football League is looking forward to extending its successful partnership with Pitch International onto a global level," said Kieron Kilbride, the Football League's director of business development.

"Their expertise in the sports rights market and enthusiasm for our competitions impressed throughout a highly competitive sales process."

Paul McGrath at Pitch International added: "We are delighted to continue our long-running and successful association with the Football League with the announcement of this new five-year agreement.

"The Football League and Carling Cup are exciting competitions which make compelling viewing for broadcasters across the globe and we are looking forward to reaching new audiences in the years to come."