Setanta and ITV stall FA payments
March 3, 2009
Cash-strapped Setanta and ITV are seeking to renegotiate the payment terms of their £425 million (E474m) rights deals with the UK Football Association for coverage of FA Cup and England international football matches.
According to reports Setanta has delayed making a payment of £10 million on its £150 million contract while ITV has met its payments so far, but is attempting to adjust the schedule so that less money is paid out in the opening years of its £275 million deal.
The two broadcasters signed the four-year deal for the rights to the matches in 2007, now Setanta is reportedly trying to renegotiate the terms of its deal. Last month it came off badly in the fight for the rights to Premier League football, losing one of its two packages to BSkyB.
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