I remember for the last 2 years, Gol TV used to show many UEFA Cup games, and I'm pretty sure they showed first round matches, too. Has there been any official statement on this?
GolTV chose to pass on the 1st round of UEFA Cup games. Also, the SPORTFIVE package of UEFA Cup games (qualifying round through the Round of 16) that GolTV used to have in past years is now the property of Setanta Sports North America. The only TV package of the UEFA Cup that is worth good money is the "A" package of 1st pick quarterfinals, 1st pick semifinals, the final, and the UEFA Super Cup. The rest, including the "B" package of leftover quarterfinals and semifinals, as well are everything from the round of 16 prior, aren't worth that much money.
With UEFA centralizing TV rights to the UEFA Cup starting with the quarterfinal round, there is no reason to pay big money for TV rights to UEFA Cup group games. I don't expect GolTV to have any UEFA Cup games this season unless GolTV were to win the bid for the rights to the "A" package of "first pick" games from the quarterfinal round onward. Setanta will also be bidding for the "A" package, possibly in partnership with FOX Sports Int'l.