TV
The future of the Scottish Premier League is in doubt following a dispute over proposals for a dedicated TV station.
Plans for a dedicated premium channel featuring games from the League were put on ice last week after the Old Firm - Celtic and Rangers - failed to support the proposals. In order for the plans to progress, 11 out of 12 clubs needed to support them.
In a new twist, however, the future of the league altogether has now been put into question, as the other ten clubs have announced plans to form a breakaway league, minus the Old Firm. SPL rules require that the clubs must give 2 years' notice to quit, meaning that the twelve will continue to play as normal for at least the next two seasons. "The intention is to establish a new league for the start of season 2004/05," said Rod Petrie, managing director of Hibernian FC. "It's open to Celtic and Rangers to join, but only if they accept our voting system."
A spokesman for the ten clubs - Aberdeen, Dundee, Dundee United, Dunfermline, Hearts, Hibernian, Kilmarnock, Livingston, Motherwell and St Johnstone - added: "This course of action demonstrates the shared determination of the Ten to bring about change, operating within the rules of the SPL, and in a mature and thoughtful manner. The timetable for change has now been set - the status quo is not an option."
Meanwhile, the Old Firm have expressed disappointment at the Ten's decision.
"We find the statements of intent to resign to be extremely disappointing and concerning," said a Rangers statement. "However, we hope that dialogue will continue with all parties concerned."
Ian McLeod, Celtic's chief executive, said: "I don't know what their motivation is. They appear to regard themselves as the oppressed 10 when, because Celtic and Rangers generate 80 per cent of the revenue in Scottish football, they are actually being subsidised by the two biggest clubs."
Full statements from the major players can be found in news extra:
Plans for a dedicated premium channel featuring games from the League were put on ice last week after the Old Firm - Celtic and Rangers - failed to support the proposals. In order for the plans to progress, 11 out of 12 clubs needed to support them.
In a new twist, however, the future of the league altogether has now been put into question, as the other ten clubs have announced plans to form a breakaway league, minus the Old Firm. SPL rules require that the clubs must give 2 years' notice to quit, meaning that the twelve will continue to play as normal for at least the next two seasons. "The intention is to establish a new league for the start of season 2004/05," said Rod Petrie, managing director of Hibernian FC. "It's open to Celtic and Rangers to join, but only if they accept our voting system."
A spokesman for the ten clubs - Aberdeen, Dundee, Dundee United, Dunfermline, Hearts, Hibernian, Kilmarnock, Livingston, Motherwell and St Johnstone - added: "This course of action demonstrates the shared determination of the Ten to bring about change, operating within the rules of the SPL, and in a mature and thoughtful manner. The timetable for change has now been set - the status quo is not an option."
Meanwhile, the Old Firm have expressed disappointment at the Ten's decision.
"We find the statements of intent to resign to be extremely disappointing and concerning," said a Rangers statement. "However, we hope that dialogue will continue with all parties concerned."
Ian McLeod, Celtic's chief executive, said: "I don't know what their motivation is. They appear to regard themselves as the oppressed 10 when, because Celtic and Rangers generate 80 per cent of the revenue in Scottish football, they are actually being subsidised by the two biggest clubs."
Full statements from the major players can be found in news extra:
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