Asian sports broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports has renewed a multi-year exclusive agreement with England’s Football Association for the broadcast rights to the FA Cup, England internationals and the FA Community Shield on multimedia platforms for three seasons from 2008/9.

Under the agreement, ESPN STAR Sports will maintain exclusive broadcast rights all senior and Under-21 England team home matches, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship qualifiers played at home and all friendly matches.

The matches will be broadcast to 20 markets across Asia including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea as well as Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Macau, Myanmar, North Korea, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

For the first time, ESPN STAR Sports will also have exclusive rights to present the content on digital media platforms which include www.espnstar.com, www.espnstar.com.cn, www.espnstar.com.tw, mobileESPN and the soon-to-be launched STAR Sports Mobile, in a reflection of the evolving trends in sports viewing.

“Our goal is to serve the fan anytime, any place via any pipe, any device, “ said Manu Sawhney, managing director, ESPN STAR Sports. “Our 360 degree approach of presenting the content on-air, off-air and on the digital platforms including internet and mobile, coupled with top-quality presentation and original programming, will ensure the best distribution of the sport to fans in Asia and enhance their viewing experience.”