'Lack of progress' on ITV Digital deal

ITV Digital’s administrators today issued a statement to the Stock Exchange which admitted there has been a ‘‘lack of progress’’ in negotiations with the Football League over their television deal.

ITV Digital went into administration owing the League £178.5m (€290m) for the remaining two years of the TV deal.

The statement read: ‘‘Since Monday’s High Court hearing the administrators of ITV Digital have been assessing the impact of the lack of progress in negotiations with the Football League on the company’s business plan.

‘‘It is now apparent that this has dissuaded some other suppliers from seriously engaging in restructuring discussions.

‘‘The shareholders are re-evaluating the business plan and therefore no formal offer has been made to the Football League.

‘‘Discussions with all suppliers will continue. As indicated on April 15, while we see to establish whether the company can be preserved we are also preparing the business for sale.’’

The next step in the saga is a meeting of League chairmen at Maine Road, Manchester, today.

It had been expected the latest offer from ITV Digital would be formally submitted at the meeting.