Rejected petition Sky and ESPN to support sporting integrity in the SPL

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In November 2011 an £80m deal for TV rights until the end of 2016/17 was announced between Sky / ESPN and the SPL (Scottish Premier League).

Central to the deal was a continuation of four Old Firm matches per season. In effect, if Rangers or Celtic are relegated or even below sixth place after 33 games, severe financial penalties will arise for all SPL clubs. In short, the contract creates powerful commercial considerations potentially in conflict with the sporting integrity of the competition.

HMG and the Scottish Government should persuade Sky and ESPN to maintain the value of their offer to the SPL regardless of which teams are in the competition and where they are placed. Beyond demonstrating support by Sky and ESPN to the fundamental sporting integrity of league football in Scotland, this move would also be welcomed by the customers who watch Scottish football as a step towards a fairer, more competitive and more exciting SPL.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

It’s about something that the UK Government or Parliament is not directly responsible for.

This is a matter for the SPL and Sky.

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 21 February 2012
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