From August next year, ITV will broadcast the first pick of Wednesday night games throughout the tournament, including the final and Uefa Super Cup final - 18 live games in total – as well as highlights of all games. The deal includes both television and new media.

Satellite broadcaster BSkyB secured the majority of live football rights in a deal announced on Tuesday.

But ITV had to battle it out with rival free-to-air broadcaster the BBC for the remaining rights.

ITV has held Champions League rights since the tournament’s inception in 1992.

Michael Grade, ITV executive chairman, said: “I’m thrilled that ITV is now the definitive home for all premium free-to-air football in this country.

“This is good news for ITV’s shareholders, advertisers and of course our viewers.

“With Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all through to the quarter final stage this year, British representation in Europe has never been stronger.”