Rupert Murdoch’s domination of television sports coverage has come under heavy fire in all quality papers today apart from his own. It has emerged that top players in rugby league’s Super League, which starts in March, will not be able to transfer without the permission of News Corporation.
Murdoch’s News Corporation, which has spent £87m on the Super League, has signed “loyalty” agreements with top players which means it has a veto over who goes where. According to the Independent, a clause of the contract reads “You will not modify, amend or terminate your contract with the club or waive any of its provisions without News’ prior written consent.” This effectively means that News Corporation has the power to block any move of which it strongly disapproves.
At a time when concern is growing over Rupert Murdoch’s influence over British sport, this latest revelation is bound to cause outcry.
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