The review panellists, which include a mix of former sports stars, academics and broadcasters such as Colin Jackson, Dougie Donnelly and Eamonn Holmes, have been conducting hearings and research into sports broadcasting rights for 10 months and are expected to deliver their recommendations to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport within a week, according to Guardian.co.uk.
Events including the Ashes, Wimbledon, international football qualifiers and rugby union internationals in Wales are likely to be included to the free-to-air sporting events list.
According to sources quoted by The Guardian, the panel is set to suggest a "radical" shakeup to create a shorter, more coherent list of events that must be available on free-to-air television in either highlights or live form.
However, sport governing bodies are expected to argue that the proposals will impact funding for grassroots sport — the England and Wales Cricket Board receives £300m from Sky for exclusive rights to its games, which it says has enabled a huge investment programme in state schools, community clubs and the women's game.
The Epsom Derby and the rugby league cup final are being tipped to be axed from the list, which could equally have an adverse impact by reducing their chances of attracting sponsorship.
Culture secretary Ben Bradshaw and sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe will review the panel's recommendations and decide whether or not to accept the changes.
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