Setanta to address cash crux
12 May 09

Pay-TV broadcaster Setanta is trying to renegotiate its contracts to screen sporting events, as it tries to deal with cash-flow problems. It is due to pay the Football Association €39m on 15 May for the rights to broadcast its games. There has been concern among investors after it managed to secure new rights for only half of the live Premier League games it currently broadcasts. But the company has said there is no question of it defaulting on payments.

Setanta currently shows 46 live Premier League games per season, but from 2010 it will have only 23 matches, which is expected to cut its subscriber base. The broadcaster has a joint contract with ITV to show the FA Cup and England football internationals. In addition, Setanta has exclusive rights to show matches from the Blue Square Premier, the top flight of English non-League football - which is a major source of income for these clubs.