Rule change threatens Fergie's BBC boycott

Alex Ferguson could face sanctions from the Premier League next season if he continues to boycott the BBC.

The Manchester United manager has refused to speak to the BBC for years following the screening of a 'Panorama' programme about links between the club and his son Jason, who was then working as a football agent.

The new Premier League rule Q17 says: "With effect from season 2010/11, all managers are required to attend in person and participate in post-match interviews held by or for the benefit of a UK broadcaster or radio broadcaster and failure to do so without just cause shall be a breach of these rules."

United currently send no-one to press conferences after league games, but from next season clubs will also have to conduct post-match press conferences with a manager or member of the coaching staff.

Meanwhile, the Premier League are launching their own global TV content service which will be available across the world from next season.

The new channel, produced by Premier League's own production company, will build on the success of the league in securing more than £1bn (€1.11bn) in overseas rights - a 80% increase on the previous television deal.

The channel, a joint venture with global sports producer TWI, will be a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week service with news, studio discussions, individual programmes and classic matches.

The league believe there will be a big take-up from broadcast companies who have purchased the rights for their territory but do not want the expense of investing in programming too. As rights holders, the BBC have access to all managers after games.

In another development, it is understood that a proposal by some clubs to have a play-off for the fourth Champions League spot is unlikely to progress.

It is thought a number of middle tier clubs had put forward the idea where the sides finishing in fourth to seventh positions would play off for the right to play in the Champions League.

Discussions among the 20 league chairmen has however seen growing doubts emerge about the concept with concerns about the integrity of the competition and an already crowded fixture schedule.