New move to sell broadcast rights

Scottish clubs have been assured upcoming payments will be unaffected after the league terminated its overseas broadcast deal.

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has cancelled its contract with global sports media agency MP & Silva over financial issues and announced it will be taking steps to sell the rights.

The SPFL signed a 10-year deal in 2013, which saw Scottish league games shown in 167 countries last season.

A league statement read: “The SPFL will be taking steps to sell its overseas broadcast rights from this season onwards.

“This comes as a 10-season deal with MP & Silva is being terminated after the rights holder defaulted on a number of payments due to the SPFL, and to other leagues around the world.

“Plans are being put in place for international broadcasters who have agreed to show live fixtures to receive signal.

“The termination of the present agency contact, signed in 2013, will have no material impact on the record-breaking club fees paid and expected to be paid for season 2017-18.”

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “Scottish football is growing in popularity at home and abroad.

“We are working to ensure fans are able to enjoy matches from the Ladbrokes SPFL, Betfred Cup and Irn-Bru Cup as normal.”