The English Football Association (FA) has released a statement regarding Setanta UK going into administration.

“The FA will now consider options to find the best platform to broadcast those fixtures contracted to Setanta,” said FA Chief Executive Ian Watmore. “These include England home friendly matches, FA Cup ties, England U21 games and the FA Community Shield.

“We remain confident in the strength of these fixtures and expect significant interest from broadcasters wanting to pay for the rights to partner The FA and the England teams.”

While ESPN was able to come to the rescue to pick up the Premier League TV rights in the UK for seasons 2009-2013, the same cannot be said for the English Football Association who will be desperate to find someone to acquire the rights to the FA-related matches that Setanta had owned, but have now lost due to going into administration.

The rights to the TV matches that Setanta lost only affect Setanta UK, not Setanta US.