Matildas Sign Free-To-Air TV Deal With Channel Seven For Rio Qualifiers

Australia's Matildas will be shown on free-to-air commercial TV for the first time later this year, in a "further signal of the growth" of women's football and its increasing mainstream appeal, according to Michael Lynch of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The Seven Network has "struck a deal" with Football Federation Australia to broadcast Australia's Olympic Games qualifiers, which start on Feb. 29 in Japan. The Matildas start their qualification program "with a match against Japan." That match "will be broadcast on 7mate and streamed on Plus7" live on Feb. 29. FFA CEO David Gallop said that the deal was a "breakthrough moment for women's football and due recognition to the deeds of the Matildas at last year's World Cup" (SMH, 1/31).