England TV row: BBC and ITV set to blank World Cup qualifiers

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Turn off: Setanta have been unable to agree a highlights deal with BBC or ITV

The BBC and ITV are both thought to have spoken to Setanta regarding free-to-air highlights but the Irish pay broadcaster have not received an offer they consider satisfactory.

A spokesperson for Setanta said: 'Setanta have entered into discussions to make the highlights available but to date they haven't received a proposal that makes commercial sense to them.

'But they are not ruling out a deal, they are still very much in discussions and receptive to a price they feel reflects the value of the rights.

'It is not to say there wouldn't be anything - and the matches are getting closer - but that is where they are at the moment."

The terrestrial broadcasters are believed to view Setanta's asking price as unrealistic.

The matches are England's first two competitive fixtures under new manager Fabio Capello.

The Football Association's £425million contract with Setanta and ITV for England's home matches and the FA Cup began this season but the governing body have no jurisdiction over away qualifiers.

An FA spokesperson said: 'There is nothing we can do about it. Away qualifications are not our property to sell. We do not have any leverage over who broadcasts them and where they are shown.'