Why are Scotland men's football matches not on free-to-view TV?

Most games involving the Scotland men's team are currently shown on Viaplay

Scotland football fans have stepped up their call for national team matches to be available on free-to-air TV.

Most international games - including Thursday's Euro 2024 clash with Georgia - are currently screened on Viaplay.

The Scottish Football Supporters' Association says there is overwhelming backing for matches to be shown by free-to-air broadcasters like BBC Scotland and STV.

MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee have also said finding solutions with rights-holding subscription services should be a priority.

So why do Scotland fans have to pay a subscription to see their team play?

Who has the rights to show Scotland men's games?

Streaming service Viaplay has secured exclusive rights to Scotland men's matches from 2024 until 2028.

TV deals are sold by European football's governing body Uefa, rather than individual football associations - in this case, the Scottish FA.

Uefa says this process makes more financial sense for its members.

But it means public service broadcasters like the BBC can often be "priced out" of bidding - while rights holders have no incentive to give up their exclusivity.

What about the women's national team

Scotland's women's team matches will continue to be broadcast "free to air" on BBC Alba and BBC Scotland until June 2024, while BBC Scotland broadcasts highlights of the men's games.

How much does it cost to watch Scotland on TV?

Matches were broadcast on Sky before moving in June 2022 to Premier Sports, which is now owned by Viaplay.

It also has a deal to broadcast the Scottish Cup alongside BBC Scotland until next year, while the company's Scottish League Cup rights run until 2027.

Viaplay Sports charges about £180 a year for a subscription to watch programmes on its streaming service.

What about other national teams?

England matches are currently shown on Channel 4, which took over the contract from ITV.

Sky has an agreement that Wales matches can also be broadcast on Welsh language channel S4C, with Welsh commentary.

What are the sporting 'crown jewels' which must be free to air?

Scotland's international games are not included in the list of "crown jewels" of TV sporting events.

These are only available to public service broadcasters and include the men's and women's football World Cups, the Six Nations rugby championship and the Wimbledon tennis championships.

The FA Cup final and Scottish Cup final are also included.

Will Viaplay blow the full-time whistle?

Viaplay announced in June it is to end its coverage of sport in the UK.

Uefa has said it "is in contact with the relevant stakeholders" but it is unlikely that Viaplay will pull the plug in the short term.

A company spokesperson said: "We have initiated a strategic review for international markets, including the UK, where we will seek optimal solutions for our operations, including partnerships.

"Until then it is business as usual."

So don't expect to be watching Steve Clarke and his Scotland players for free any time soon.