Media
The Premier League has admitted that it fears being overexposed on television.
In a statement, the League said it "wholeheartedly" agreed with the recent comments of Charlton chairman Richard Murray, who claimed that an increase in the number of TV games would be detrimental to ticket sales.
"We collectively must not allow our product to be overexposed on television as ultimately this will almost certainly lead to a decline in match attendances," said Murray earlier today, announcing the club's £1.7 million loss in the last half of 2004.
"We must implement measures, including greater fairness in the distribution of broadcasting revenues, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the league. Predictability is the enemy of even our most successful clubs."
The PL said it agreed that a saturation point was being reached, but argued that European competition laws meant that an increase in broadcast games was necessary. "We wholeheartedly agree with Charlton that there is a balance to be struck in regard to the number of televised games to ensure matchday attendances are maintained," said a statement.
"Indeed, the latest increase in the number of matches broadcast came about as a direct result of regulatory pressure from Europe, as opposed to any desire on our part or that of our media partners.
"Charlton, and our other member clubs, are working extremely hard at maintaining attendances at high levels with the latest figures showing occupancy rates running at an average of over 94 per cent."
However, the League disagreed that the gap in revenue distribution between the 'big three' clubs - Machester United, Arsenal and Liverpool - and the rest was widening.
The statement added: "The nature of our latest broadcast deals means that our position as the most redistributive major league in Europe has been further enhanced.
"The strength of our collective selling arrangement means that all of our clubs get a significant share of revenue as opposed to the Italian and Spanish leagues where individual selling disproportionately favours a few of their biggest sides."
In a statement, the League said it "wholeheartedly" agreed with the recent comments of Charlton chairman Richard Murray, who claimed that an increase in the number of TV games would be detrimental to ticket sales.
"We collectively must not allow our product to be overexposed on television as ultimately this will almost certainly lead to a decline in match attendances," said Murray earlier today, announcing the club's £1.7 million loss in the last half of 2004.
"We must implement measures, including greater fairness in the distribution of broadcasting revenues, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the league. Predictability is the enemy of even our most successful clubs."
The PL said it agreed that a saturation point was being reached, but argued that European competition laws meant that an increase in broadcast games was necessary. "We wholeheartedly agree with Charlton that there is a balance to be struck in regard to the number of televised games to ensure matchday attendances are maintained," said a statement.
"Indeed, the latest increase in the number of matches broadcast came about as a direct result of regulatory pressure from Europe, as opposed to any desire on our part or that of our media partners.
"Charlton, and our other member clubs, are working extremely hard at maintaining attendances at high levels with the latest figures showing occupancy rates running at an average of over 94 per cent."
However, the League disagreed that the gap in revenue distribution between the 'big three' clubs - Machester United, Arsenal and Liverpool - and the rest was widening.
The statement added: "The nature of our latest broadcast deals means that our position as the most redistributive major league in Europe has been further enhanced.
"The strength of our collective selling arrangement means that all of our clubs get a significant share of revenue as opposed to the Italian and Spanish leagues where individual selling disproportionately favours a few of their biggest sides."
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