Football league files claim against TV companies

The Football League in England has filed a claim in the UK's High Court for £178.5m (€286m) against Carlton and Granada.

The League is claiming that Carlton and Granada are liable for ITV Digital's debts for their television contract with Nationwide League clubs.

The League are also preparing a claim against the whole ITV network and will lodge a claim for damages exceeding £500m (€800m) with the liquidators of ITV Digital when they are appointed.

League chief executive David Burns says: "From the outset of this dispute the Football League has made it abundantly clear that it will, if necessary, use all options to pursue Carlton and Granada for monies outstanding from our broadcasting agreement."