The decision has provoked a backlash among some fans, with many recalling the TV network's treatment of the NSL at the turn of the century when football was screened at 1am then blacked out by the channel entirely.

It later emerged a Seven executive told an AFL official: "We have secured the soccer rights and suffocated the sport".

Their handling of the sport at the time prompted "Nobody screws soccer like Seven" banners by fans at matches. Yesterday on social media, fans mocked the network's potential commentary with the hashtag #channel7sokkah.

Today though FFA chief executive David Gallop appeared on Seven's Sunrise programme to confirm the deal and said the package was another sign of football's move into the mainstream.

“These are huge events on the sporting calendar and we’re delighted Seven will be our partner in bringing top-class football action to all Australians on free to air television,” said Gallop.

“Manchester United and Liverpool have millions of followers in Australia, but just as many fans will get behind the All Stars and Victory as they showcase the A-League on the world stage.”

Seven are keen to put the past behind them and said they welcomed the chance to add football to the network’s sports coverage.

Both games will be shown on regular television - mainly on its digital 7mate channel - and also live streaming online and across mobile devices.

Seven CEO Tim Worner added: “Manchester United and Liverpool are two of the biggest brands in world sport and we are really pleased to be delivering their matches live to Australians everywhere and on every device.

"These are going to be huge events. They sold out straight away and we expect a big audience to be engaged before, during and after the games.

“Big, live sport – now available across not just our broadcast television platform but online and other tablet apps as well - underpins a lot of Seven’s strategy and these games certainly fit that bill.  

"And, on a personal note, I am very happy to be working with Dave Gallop whose work I have previously admired from too far away.”

Broadcast details:

Manchester United v Foxtel A League All Stars
Saturday July 20
ANZ Stadium, Sydney (7.30pm kick off)
Sydney             1830-2200 (7)
Melbourne         1830-2200 (7Mate)
Brisbane           1830-2200 (7)
Adelaide           1800-2130 (7Mate)
Perth                1830-2200 (7)

Liverpool v Melbourne Victory
Wednesday July 24
MCG, Melbourne (8pm kick off)
Sydney             1900-2230 (7Mate)
Melbourne         1900-2230 (7Mate)
Brisbane           1900-2230 (7Mate)
Adelaide           1830-2200 (7Mate)
Perth                1700-2030 (7Mate)