Setanta set for SPL TV contract

Satellite channel Setanta looks set to win an exclusive contract to show live coverage of Bank of Scotland Premier League games.

The Irish-based pay-per-view channel will show 38 matches every season for the next four years.

That means armchair fans will have to pay per game to watch their favourite team in action as opposed to the free games shown on RTE and the BBC this season.

The BBC and Scottish Television are now expected to battle it out for highlight packages.

SPL commercial manager Stewart Thompson said: “A recommended bid from Setanta has gone out to all clubs for their consideration.

“Everything should be formalised in time for the next meeting of the SPL on February 26.”