Foxtel has lost its exclusive rights to broadcast English Premier League games in Australia, to mobile and internet provider Optus.

Optus has signed a three-year deal to broadcast all 380 Premier League matches, starting from August next year for the 2016/17 season.

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Foxtel, owned by News Corp, has been the exclusive EPL broadcaster in Australia since 1997.

Although Foxtel has just signed a big-money deal to broadcast the AFL, the news comes as a blow to the company which is still in negotiations with the NRL on a deal to screen rugby league matches.

Optus’ chief executive officer Allen Lew said the deal was a coup for his telco.

“With 930 million followers worldwide, the Premier League is one of the most sought after sports properties for content providers,” Lew said.

“Today’s announcement is a great win for Optus and will ensure that Aussie football fans can watch all the action from the world’s most popular football league.”