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ITV2 has obtained the exclusive UK television rights for Real Madrid's pre-season friendly tour of Asia during August; giving viewers in Britain their first look at David Beckham playing in Real's colours.
Zai Bennett, ITV2's Head of Scheduling and Strategy, said: "It’s a major coup for ITV2 to have won David Beckham’s first kick for new team Real Madrid, and we’re delighted to bring this historic event to both football fans and Beckham watchers."
Bennett negotiated the deal with Richard Sunderland of Heavenly Marketing. Heavenly are the UK representatives of rights holder ASD. Sunderland said:
"This is a great signing for ITV2. Debut games don't come any bigger than this. Whatever David Beckham does, the world will be watching. And in the UK, they will be watching on ITV2."
The match lineup is as follows:
August 2
ITV2 coverage begins at 12:30pm for a 1pm kick-off of Real Madrid v. China Dragons
August 5
ITV2 coverage begins at 10:45am for an 11am kick-off of Real Madrid v. FC Tokyo
August 8
ITV2 coverage begins at 12:45pm for a 1pm kick-off of Real Madrid v. China
August 10
ITV2 coverage begins at 12:45pm for a 1pm kick-off of Real Madrid v. Malaysia
In addition to the above live coverage, an hour-long highlights show will air on the channel on the same evening, and the games will be replayed in full in the late night lineup.
Zai Bennett, ITV2's Head of Scheduling and Strategy, said: "It’s a major coup for ITV2 to have won David Beckham’s first kick for new team Real Madrid, and we’re delighted to bring this historic event to both football fans and Beckham watchers."
Bennett negotiated the deal with Richard Sunderland of Heavenly Marketing. Heavenly are the UK representatives of rights holder ASD. Sunderland said:
"This is a great signing for ITV2. Debut games don't come any bigger than this. Whatever David Beckham does, the world will be watching. And in the UK, they will be watching on ITV2."
The match lineup is as follows:
August 2
ITV2 coverage begins at 12:30pm for a 1pm kick-off of Real Madrid v. China Dragons
August 5
ITV2 coverage begins at 10:45am for an 11am kick-off of Real Madrid v. FC Tokyo
August 8
ITV2 coverage begins at 12:45pm for a 1pm kick-off of Real Madrid v. China
August 10
ITV2 coverage begins at 12:45pm for a 1pm kick-off of Real Madrid v. Malaysia
In addition to the above live coverage, an hour-long highlights show will air on the channel on the same evening, and the games will be replayed in full in the late night lineup.
