Sunderland has this afternoon been informed by the Football Association that its forthcoming FA Cup fifth-round tie against Birmingham City on February 14th could be televised – subject to the outcome of Fulham’s game with Everton this evening.
The Club has been advised that if Fulham win tonight’s fourth-round replay at Loftus Road, Sunderland’s game will be selected by the BBC for live transmission and will therefore be switched to a 5.35pm kick-off.
Fulham / Everton v West Ham was the original choice for the live fixture. However, Fulham have been unable to secure the necessary policing required for the later kick-off time and as a result the televised fixture will be switched to Sunderland.
Sunderland have agreed in principle to the switch, which would see the Club receive a payment of £265,000 for the television rights.
The Club hopes that this potential change will not inconvenience supporters and it will be in a position to confirm further details following the conclusion of this evening’s game.