SPL continue Setanta negotiations

The Scottish Premier League today promised to keep their member clubs fully informed as they bid to avoid losing out on tens of millions of pounds from their television deal with Setanta.

The Irish broadcasters failed to pay SPL clubs the final £3m (€3.5m) instalment for showing live games last season.

The SPL board met this morning to discuss the matter before reporting back to their clubs.

A spokesman refused to comment on the precise details of the board meeting, saying: “All I can say is discussions with Setanta are ongoing but there’s nothing to really add at this moment in time.

“The clubs will be kept up to date as things progress.”

The SPL admitted yesterday a number of decisions were being made behind the scenes to ensure the future of the organisation’s relationship with Setanta.

The company have already asked to renegotiate their four-year deal with the SPL after losing one of their contracts with the Barclays Premier League.

The 12 SPL clubs came to an agreement in April following Setanta’s request to change the terms of the contract due to begin at the start of the 2010-11 season, which was initially worth £125m (€144m).

Estimates claimed up to £20m (€23m) could be wiped off the value of that increased deal but the apparent inability to meet one of the demands of their £13.5m (€15m) annual contract raises further fears.

The latest development increases the financial pressure on SPL clubs fearing a loss in revenue from sponsorship, merchandise and season-ticket sales.