BBC3 Clinches Broadcast Deal for Arsenal Champions League Qualifier

BBC3 is to air the second leg of Arsenal's Champions League third-round qualifier after the corporation outbid rivals for the match.

It is understood the BBC paid around £200,000 for the game, despite not airing any other live European football this season.

The second leg of Arsenal's Champions League third-round qualifier will air on Wednesday August 27 on BBC3, which is better known for comedy such as Gavin & Stacey than its sports coverage.

BBC3's live Champions League football will go head-to–head with the second leg of Liverpool's qualifying match against Belgians Standard Liege on ITV1.

The one-off bid for the Arsenal home leg has surprised some within the BBC as the corporation decided not to bid for the rights to Uefa Cup or Champions League group matches earlier this year.

In addition there was competition for the Arsenal second leg as it is understood that rivals including Setanta and ITV made bids for the match.

The first tie between Arsenal and Dutch club FC Twente – now managed by former England coach Steve McClaren – aired last night on digital cable and satellite channel Setanta.

It ended in Arsenal winning away 2-0, meaning the north London club is extremely likely to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League, potentially making the second leg less exciting.

It is not yet known if the match was paid for out of BBC3's budget or by BBC Sport.

BBC3's current annual programming budget is £83m. The digital has previously aired some football, most notably the African Nations Cup.

The BBC had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.

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