Al Jazeera to battle Sky for Premier League rights?

Qatar-owned Al Jazeera could challenge Sky for the rights to Premier League TV coverage, according to European head of ESPN Ross Hair.

The possible challenge, which could hand Premier League sides a cash windfall, has been speculated since the broadcaster beat Canal Plus to the French Ligue 1 and Champions League rights.

"We're expecting another Premier League auction in April or May. An Al Jazeera bid is a realistic prospect. They have done something very interesting in France in buying first division football against the incumbent satellite broadcaster Canal Plus and we've also looked at what they've done in other markets," said Hair.

"You can draw parallels with the upcoming auction in the UK. Al Jazeera have the ambition to grow further in sport and into other markets."

The power of Qatar has been shown with their recent victory to host the 2022 World Cup.