Setanta Officially Calls “Takesies-Backsies” UPDATED!

By: Matt | June 22nd, 2009

The speculation of what cash strapped TV network Setanta would do as it bobbed up and down between the perilous recession waves of this economical ocean was finally answered today when it was announced that Setanta had missed the deadline, which had been extended, to pay the money it owed the SPL for the 2009/2010 season. It was not much of a surprise, since Setanta had done the same thing early last week to the much more popular EPL. Regardless, this move means that Setanta no longer holds the broadcast rights to the SPL and the SPL can give them to the highest bidder. I’m sure networks are crawling over themselves to broadcast the Kilmarnock v Falkirk matches from this season. “Setanta has been unable to meet our extended deadline for the outstanding £3m payment to the SPL and, in terms of the notice previously issued, our British broadcasting rights for season 2009/10 and beyond revert to us,” Lex Gold, SPL executive chairman, said. “We are now actively engaging in the process of selling our domestic broadcasting rights for next season and beyond.” Setanta still owe the SPL the 3 million quid, but unless a replacement is found soon, it will be financially detrimental to already cash-strapped clubs like Kilmarnock, and perhaps even the Celtic’s financially troubled rival’s, Rangers.

UPDATE: It seems Sky Sports is the favorite to become the replacement for the SPL. The SPL is understood to have been in talks with Sky for a number of weeks regarding a £90m rescue plan, £35m less than Setanta originally paid for the rights. Lex Gold said that the SPL will be seeking recompense from Setanta, as part of the contract agreement with the broadcaster. “We had built into the contract safeguards so we had guarantees that we will now be pursuing,” Gold said. “The lawyers are in the process of doing that. But I would hope there would be no court case. Our relationship with Setanta has always been very good.”