davieG Posted 18 August 2011 Posted 18 August 2011 BBC An FA Cup match is to be streamed live on Facebook for the first time. One of the opening games of this year's competition, the extra preliminary qualifying tie between Ascot United and Wembley, will be shown on the social network. Due to kick off at 19:45 this Friday, the fixture would usually attract an audience of around 90 spectators. However it will now be made available to 100s of millions of people around the world. Both clubs, which play near the very bottom of the English football league, will be paid a nominal broadcast fee for the game. It's being streamed on the page of the FA Cup's new sponsor, Budweiser, and will only be available to over 18s. Whole town buzzingThe match is due to take place within the grounds of Ascot Racecourse which has a capacity of 1500. Ascot Chairman Mike Harrison said: "Naturally this is the biggest thing that has ever happened to this club. "People talk of the FA losing its gloss... but the whole town is buzzing". Ascot United is one of the largest grass roots clubs in the country with nearly 70 teams running across all age groups. "We had 88 people for a league match last night, but might get 500 or even 800 for Friday's game. "The fact millions more might be watching on Facebook is astonishing. "The whole place has gone bananas". An FA spokesperson said other matches in the early stages of the competition could also be screened on Facebook. But that would have to be before the first round fixture list gets underway as that's when a broadcasting deal between the FA, ITV and ESPN comes into effect.
The Doctor Posted 18 August 2011 Posted 18 August 2011 seems strange they'd restrict it to just over-18's by sticking it on Bud's page, why not a different sponsor who could screen to everyone?
AyewJoking Posted 18 August 2011 Posted 18 August 2011 The Budweiser FA Cup - greatest competition in the world eh?
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