BBC launches FA Cup pop-up channel on iPlayer

The BBC has announced that it will livestream an additional two games from the coming round of the FA Cup on its iPlayer service through a pop-up channel.

While Chelsea v Liverpool and Sheffield Wednesday v Manchester City will be broadcast on BBC One on March 3 and March 4 respectively, the broadcaster will stream West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City.

In addition to the live games, the pop-up channel will air replays of classic matches, highlights of other matches in the competition and post-match analysis.

Steve Rudge, BBC lead executive, football at the BBC, said: “The FA cup roars back into action for this mid-week fifth round, and it’s great to have the FA Cup channel back for it with two extra games. There’s nothing like watching live football, and we’re thrilled that West Brom, Newcastle, Spurs and Norwich fans can watch their teams live as well as those who’ll be watching the BBC One coverage.

“Once again, the FA Cup Channel gives football fans far more FA Cup action than they could ever get on our linear channels, plus the added bonus of Des Lynam back on the box for the 1997 match between Chelsea and Liverpool.”

Dan McGolpin, controller of BBC iPlayer, said: “We’re really pleased that the FA Cup pop-up channel is returning to iPlayer after proving such a success in the last round.  With the addition of some extra live matches plus all of the goals and some classic games from the past, BBC iPlayer is the perfect place to experience the magic of the FA Cup.”