Euro Commission avoids own goal over UK Football TV broadcasts

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 27th Oct 2005

Sharon Bowles, Liberal Democrat MEP for Crawley has welcomed the European Commission's statement regarding the package put forward by the Premier League for the selling of UK football TV rights. Sharon Bowles wrote to Competition Commissioner, Neelie Kroes, saying that by forcing the Premier League to limit ownership of the TV rights to 50%, the auction price was likely to plummet meaning less revenue for premiership clubs.

"Less revenue would put considerable pressure on clubs, particularly smaller ones such as Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic, that depend on this money. Investment in local training facilities, club grounds and top players were all at risk". said Sharon.

"The package put forward by Premier League which splits up TV rights into more and smaller packages would also give all broadcasters a bite at the cherry. TV channels with less money to compete will have a genuine opportunity to bid for the TV rights to some of the matches".

"By also maintaining an existing promise to ensure at least two broadcasters have TV rights (from 2006), fans would be given more choice as no one broadcaster will be allowed to buy all the packages and create a monopoly for itself".

The Commission has reacted warmly to the proposals, but is still seeking further 'clarifications'. The details of the Commission's response are being scrutinised but the threat to local clubs has been reduced. All parties are now in a far better position to finding a definitive end to this lengthy dispute.