Sbs Secures Rights To Televise Turkey Matches

SBS has successfully secured the broadcast rights to televise two international soccer matches between the Socceroos and Turkey on Friday 21 (Sydney) and Monday 24 May (Melbourne).

SBS Release: SBS has successfully secured the broadcast rights to televise two international soccer matches between the Socceroos and Turkey on Friday 21 (Sydney) and Monday 24 May (Melbourne).

After conquering England last year and with recent wins against South Africa and Jamaica, the Socceroos will get their chance to take on Turkey, currently ranked 8th in the world, in an attempt to boost their own world ranking and gain invaluable international experience.

Memories of the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup will still be fresh in the minds of soccer enthusiasts, recalling Turkey's magnificent performances to reach the semi finals.

Since drawing 1-1 with France in November 2001, Australia hasn't staged an International, outside of World Cup qualifiers, on home soil.  Doing battle with Turkey will therefore provide an exciting opportunity for players and fans alike to experience world-class opposition and the Socceroos' last step prior to participating in the Oceania World Cup qualifiers in late May and June 2004.

"Our recent experience as broadcasters of the NSL Final only confirms our long association with Australian Soccer.  It is great to be able to continue our coverage and to bring these two very important and high profile teams to Australian audiences", said Les Murray, SBS TV's Head of Sport.

The first of this two-match International will be played at Aussie Stadium in Sydney on Friday May 21 with the second scheduled for Monday May 24 at Melbourne's Telstra Dome.

SBS's television commentary line-up headed by Simon Hill and Craig Foster will be shown LIVE to all centres with "blackout" restrictions in Sydney on 21 May (telecast at 11:00pm) and Melbourne 24 May (telecast at 11:30pm), unless venues are sold out.

Ticket sale information: Sydney: www.ticketek.com or (02) 9266 4800 Melbourne: www.ticketmaster7.com or 1300 136 122