RTÉ has taken High Court proceedings against the FAI and BSkyB TV in a bid to secure the right to broadcast live Ireland's two vital European championship matches next month against Georgia and Albania.
Sky has a contract to show the two games live on June 7th and 11th.
RTÉ is trying to gain the right to show the matches live following the enactment last month of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Act, 2003.
Yesterday, Mr Bill Shipsey SC, for RTÉ, applied to the court for directions in relation to the proceedings. Notice of the proceedings would have to be served on the FAI and on Sky, which is outside the jurisdiction, he said.
The President of the High Court, Mr Justice Finnegan, gave leave to RTÉ to serve notice of the proceedings on the defendants. He made the case returnable to court again on Thursday. However, the case may not be ready for hearing then and a later date may have to be set.
Under the new legislation, a "qualifying broadcaster" may apply to the High Court to obtain rights from an "event organiser" to provide coverage of a designated event on free television within the State.