Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has confirmed Setanta failed to pay Clydesdale Bank Premier League clubs their final £3million instalment for broadcasting live games last season.
Both Setanta and the SPL refused to comment on the matter, while also denying claims an emergency meeting would be held by member clubs on Wednesday to discuss the issue. But it is understood the SPL board were holding discussions and would be reporting back to clubs later in the day.
United supremo Thompson said: "It is really just a case of waiting to see what happens. The money was supposed to be paid on Monday but it never came through and I believe Setanta have several issues to work over at the moment."
He added: "Of course I am worried about it but I think every chairman is because it is a significant amount of money."
An SPL spokesman admitted on Tuesday a number of decisions were being made behind the scenes to ensure the future of the organisation's relationship with Setanta.
The company have already asked to renegotiate their deal with the SPL after losing one of their contracts with the Barclays Premier League.
The latest development increases the financial pressure on SPL clubs fearing a loss in revenue from sponsorship, merchandise and season-ticket sales.
Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston, who said earlier in this year his club could go bust if they were relegated, told the Daily Record: "I am not going to comment on the Setanta situation until we have been briefed by the SPL board.
"I am not going to make any assumptions or speculate until I have been handed the facts.
"Discussions with Setanta have been ongoing for some time and I have no doubt they will continue."
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Dundee Utd and the other provincial teams should get most of the money to level the playing field a bit, would make the leauge a more interesting place too - both for the old firm and it might attract sky and a world audience back to cover our leauge. it's just too predictable every year - im sure even the old firm fans would like to see some of the wee teams win the title now and again.
this will show everyone how greedy these firms are they want a monopoly on the games and charge you the earth to view but they don't have the gumption to fulfil their commitment,force the A++h+++s to cough up smaller clubs need this cash to survive.Lets fight these greedy swines if everyone refused to pay they would soon bring the price down cancel your subscription now.The FA's should not renogotiate they should kick them out.
Its only the old firm who pay for setanta so tell me, who should get all the setanta money?
BOO HOO
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