Nine Network signs simulcast deal with Fox Sports for Socceroos World Cup Qualifiers

Football fans are the big winners with Nine Network and Fox Sports today announcing that the remaining eight Socceroos 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers will be covered by both networks.

The Socceroos Road to Russia continues this Friday when they take on Saudi Arabia (October 7) before hosting Japan next Tuesday (October 11) with all the action simulcast LIVE on 9GO! and Fox Sports 505.

Fans will also be able to watch the remaining six Socceroos qualifiers, staged across November, 2016, to September, 2017, as Ange Postecoglou’s men look to qualify for their fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Negotiations for the broadcast rights have been difficult due to them being owned by sports marketing company Lagardere. The FFA had no role in the negotiation.

Fox Sports’ Simon Hill and Andy Harper, will be behind the mic calling all eight games for both networks.

Viewers watching the game via Fox Sports will benifit from ad break free during play and HD coverage. Plus additional segments featuring Mark Bosnich, John Kosmina and Adam Peacock.

Nine Network Director of Sport, Tom Malone said:

“Wide World of Sports is thrilled to be broadcasting these World Cup qualifiers as the Socceroos once again prepare to take on the world at the 2018 World Cup. While Australia is confident, qualification is by no means guaranteed. These matches will provide great insight into the Socceroos chances on the world stage.”

FOX SPORTS Head of Live Sport and News, Steve Crawley, said:

“The Socceroos are off to a flyer in their World Cup qualifying campaign, and fans will be able to continue to watch all the action live and ad break free during play on FOX SPORTS with the country’s best commentary team guiding them through every match. It’s a great outcome for the fans, and I’m sure the whole country will get right behind our men in gold.

Socceroos’ World Cup Qualifiers:

7 October2016: Saudi Arabia v Socceroos, (LIVE from 4.00am on FOX SPORTS 505 and 4.30am on 9GO!)

Tue 11 Oct: Socceroos v Japan (LIVE from 7.00pm on FOX SPORTS 505 and 7:30pm on 9GO!)

Timing of the remaining games still to be confirmed 
15 Novemeber, 2016: Thailand v Australia
28 March, 2017: Australia v URE
8 June, 2017: Australia v Saudi Arabia
31 August, 2017: Japan v Australia
5 September, 2017: Australia v Thailand