Baku European Games Operations Committee chief operating officer Simon Clegg has defended the decision not to broadcast the European Games on free-to-air channels in the UK.

Despite complaints from fans in the UK and France about the lack of coverage on terrestrial channels, Clegg believes that showing the action in so many countries across the world means that the Games should be considered a success.

"TV companies have purchased rights and they get many additional benefits with that. The fact that we have been able to sell rights, not only in Europe but across the globe, including in China, India and North America, is one of the most successful aspects of the Games," he told reporters.

"You are talking about two countries across the whole of Europe. I recognise that in some countries we have not been able to provide free-to-air coverage, but in most countries in Europe that is not the case, and we do have some broadcast coverage in all major countries across Europe."

Clegg also revealed at his press conference that over 140,000 tickets had been sold for the Games.