NEW ON TV: ESPN PRESS PASS KICKS OFF SPECIAL EURO 2012 COVERAGE

Football discussion show expanding to seven nights a week during tournament, featuring discussion, analysis, on-location reports from Poland and Ukraine, plus special guests including Michael Ballack

As UEFA Euro 2012 approaches, Press Pass, ESPN’s football discussion and analysis show that looks at the global game with a global perspective, will connect fans with all the latest from Poland and Ukraine. Expanding to seven nights a week for the duration of the tournament, the studio show will also add on-location reports from ESPN reporter Darrell Currie on assignment in Poland and Ukraine during the tournament.

Press Pass will air every night at 4:30am WAT some days; 5am WAT some days in Africa on DStv channel 230, with re-airings during the rest of the day.

Already featuring an outstanding and diverse group of contributors – including former European professionals, commentators and top journalists – the show will feature special guest hosts and pundits during the tournament including ESPN football presenter and reporter Rebecca Lowe, who will make her debut on the show, plus special guests including former German captain, Michael Ballack.

England fans can keep up to date with the latest from the national side’s camp, with the show delivering an added focus on news and updates from Roy Hodgson’s squad, while also discussing all other teams in the tournament. Lowe, who also presents ESPN’s coverage of the Premier League and FA Cup in the UK and Ireland, will host the programme on days prior to England matches.

The programme will also be sure viewers stay plugged into all the transfer news and discussion in the top domestic leagues.

Hosted in turns by Dan Thomas, Andrew Orsatti and Rebecca Lowe, Press Pass brings together a combination of football experts and analysts to discuss multiple topics surrounding UEFA Euro 2012. Among the show’s contributors are: • Shaka Hislop – former Newcastle United, West Ham United and Trinidad & Tobago goalkeeper • Steve Nicol – former Scotland international, member of legendary Liverpool teams in 1980s and 90s • Robbie Mustoe – midfielder who made his name with Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic • Gabriele Marcotti – journalist, author and expert on European football • Tommy Smyth – football commentator and personality • Janusz Michallik – Polish-American former United States international

In addition to being televised in more than 100 countries around the world (including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Africa, Israel and the Middle East) Press Pass can be viewed online via ESPNFC.com, the sports media company’s newly-launched multi-language and multi-country brand for football around the world.

Throughout UEFA Euro 2012, ESPNFC will provide comprehensive coverage of one of the leading international football competitions, with news, analysis, commentary, real-time scores, stats and more. In the US, the website includes live TV coverage, on-demand video highlights and studio programming clips.