Setanta axe could be disaster for Killie FC

Jun 12 2009 by Stef Lach, Kilmarnock Standard

IT was the last thing Kilmarnock Football Club needed after two of the most disappointing seasons in its top flight history.

As the Standard went to press, the axe was poised to fall on Irish broadcaster Setanta and plunge the Scottish Premier League into financial chaos.

It leaves Killie, and the rest of the SPL clubs, facing a massive cut in revenue next season and beyond.

Setanta had recently agreed a new deal with the SPL from 2010 to replace the existing four-year package which was due to expire at the end of the coming season.

That new deal would have meant more money for SPL clubs.

But the league will likely have to find a replacement broadcasting contract which is almost certain to be available at a knockdown price.

Financial experts believe clubs can only expect to get around half of the television revenue they had been promised from Setanta next season.

Reports have suggested three SPL clubs – Killie included – could go into administration if no new TV deal is struck.

Killie chairman Michael Johnston refused to rule out that possibility, but did say he fully expected a new deal to be in place by the time the season starts.

He said: “The hope is that Sky or another broadcaster will come forward with an offer. But due to market conditions over the last year the value of any new contract might be significantly lower.

“Until we know the facts, it’s difficult to say where that will leave a lot of SPL clubs.

“Budgets will need to be adjusted to suit the change in revenue. It’s not good news and it’s a massive blow for Scottish football.

“I’ve got no reason to think that we won’t be able to manage the situation, but it would be very difficult if no broadcaster came forward with a new bid.”

The SPL stepped in to pay clubs the £3million still owed by Setanta for final league placings last season, meaning Killie are not out of pocket as it stands.

But if the club were to receive half of the TV money it expected, it could be yet another heart-in-mouth season for supporters.