BT Vision suspends Setanta sales

BT Vision has suspended new sales of Setanta Sports with immediate effect.

The hybrid IPTV-digital terrestrial TV service said it had made the move "as a precaution" and that it was "closely monitoring the situation" as speculation continues to mount that Setanta will be forced to go into administration.

In a statement, BT added: "We are in constant dialogue with Setanta, and all other relevant parties to ensure we provide the best possible outcome for BT Vision customers.

"Setanta Sports is currently still broadcasting.

"No other aspect of the BT Vision service is affected."

Setanta has itself ceased accepting new subscriptions online or by phone. Virgin Media, which offers Setanta for free to subscribers on its XL TV package and on a per-month premium basis to other subscribers, told Digital Spy yesterday that it is "monitoring" the situation but that it was continuing to retail the Setanta package.

This morning, it emerged that Setanta's founders are engaged in emergency talks aimed at securing new financing.