Good news for English football fans in the United States. FOX Soccer has renewed exclusive media rights with The Football Association (FA), the governing body of soccer in England, for six more years through the 2017-18 soccer season.  The current agreement is through 2012.  The multi-platform deal grants FOX Soccer exclusive rights to all FA content in all languages for the United States and Caribbean territories, including the prestigious FA Cup tournament, the oldest soccer competition in the world, dating back to 1871.  England’s national team home qualifiers and friendlies are included in the agreement, as well as the Community Shield, the annual match-up between the winners of the FA Cup and the Champions of the Barclays Premier League.

“The Football Association is pleased to have reached an agreement with FOX Soccer to extend our partnership for a further six years, particularly as we had so much interest from other parties in the States,” said Stuart Turner, Group Commercial Director for The FA.  “The network has proven to be a destination for American viewers who want to see quality FA competitions.”

“We are proud to extend our longstanding partnership with The FA,” said David Nathanson, General Manager of FOX Soccer.  “The combination of the FA Cup, England National Team competitions and the Community Shield is one of the most diverse and valued rights packages in the business.  We’re thrilled we can deliver these staple events to our audience for years to come.”

In addition to all available FA Cup matches, the agreement includes highlight shows, official tournament draws and archival matches.  Exclusive media rights to England’s U21 team matches, qualifiers and friendlies are also included.