The Premier League is to waive £250,000 in TV and radio rights revenues to give British troops free access to live top flight football on TV and radio over the next three years.

British forces will be able to access the soccer via BFBS TV, whether on communal TVs in mess tents or on their own TVs or laptops. IMG Media has also granted all HM Ships free access to all Premier League action.

Live coverage will also be available on BFBS Radio 2.

"We wanted to show our support for British Forces doing a dangerous and difficult job," said Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore.

"We know that Premier League matches on TV and radio are a lifeline for the guys and girls away on operations and thought this was the best way we could help BFBS deliver even more choice to the troops," he said.

BFSB TV controller Helen Williams said: "The Premier League has exempted us from land rights for the next three-year period, with the express wish that the money saved - around a quarter of a million for TV and Radio rights - be used to provide more and better services for troops."