Tech
League "close" to deal with Carlton, Granada
Published Sunday, May 12 2002, 18:20 BST | By Neil Wilkes
The Football League is close to agreeing a deal with Carlton and Granada, according to the Sunday Times today.
Keith Harris, the League chairman, held a meeting with Granada chairman Charles Allen and Carlton's CEO Gerry Murphy on Friday, in an attempt to recoup the £180m owed to it by the now collapsed ITV Digital.
"The landscape now is much more amenable," Harris said. "We're in discussions. It will be unbelievably damaging if I say any more than that. I think there are better odds for it not going to court now. I am hopeful of a settlement. Their actions have damaged the ITV brand. With the changes in the broadcasting bill, these companies can go on a [new] corporate path, and they need a settlement as much as we do."
League sources told the newspaper that Harris was expecting to reach a deal for £100m from the pair, including the handing back of the rights for resale.
Harris is also in talks to bring Scottish teams Celtic and Rangers into the First Division, following their disagreement with fellow clubs in the Scottish Premier League over plans for a dedicated TV channel.
"The inclusion of Celtic and Rangers will enhance the value of our rights," Harris added. "I'm confident that there's a will, but it's too early to say if it can be achieved."
Keith Harris, the League chairman, held a meeting with Granada chairman Charles Allen and Carlton's CEO Gerry Murphy on Friday, in an attempt to recoup the £180m owed to it by the now collapsed ITV Digital.
"The landscape now is much more amenable," Harris said. "We're in discussions. It will be unbelievably damaging if I say any more than that. I think there are better odds for it not going to court now. I am hopeful of a settlement. Their actions have damaged the ITV brand. With the changes in the broadcasting bill, these companies can go on a [new] corporate path, and they need a settlement as much as we do."
League sources told the newspaper that Harris was expecting to reach a deal for £100m from the pair, including the handing back of the rights for resale.
Harris is also in talks to bring Scottish teams Celtic and Rangers into the First Division, following their disagreement with fellow clubs in the Scottish Premier League over plans for a dedicated TV channel.
"The inclusion of Celtic and Rangers will enhance the value of our rights," Harris added. "I'm confident that there's a will, but it's too early to say if it can be achieved."
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