ITV and Setanta renegotiate football rights deal

ITV and Setanta are set to renegotiate the payment terms of their £425 million rights deals with the Football Association.

Setanta is thought to of delayed making a payment of £10 million on its £150 million contract, while ITV has met its payments so far, but is attempting to reassess the schedule so that is has to pay out less money in the opening years of its £275 million deal, according to reports.

The broadcasters signed a four-year deal for the rights to the FA Cup and England internationals two years ago – however, Setanta is currently trying to renegotiate the terms of its deal.

Last month, Setanta lost one of its two Premier League football packages to BSkyB, leaving many questions over the future of the broadcaster (see Sky retains rights for biggest Premier League games).

Critics think Setanta will struggle to sustain its model and borrowings with revenues from just 23 games a season.