The landmark judgement on the legality of foreign satellite football in pubs is not expected until "September at the very earliest", according to a spokesman for the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
ECJ judges have been considering their verdict on the case since an influential advisor to the court, advocate general Juliane Kokott, supported the view that decoder card suppliers should not be restricted to single territories.
An ECJ spokesman said the judgement will not be given before the upcoming judicial summer vacation. It's also not listed among the first judgements to be handed down when the ECJ reconvenes in September.
"It's not going to be until September at the very earliest, and probably not even then," the spokesman said.
The case hinges on whether EU laws on freedom movement of goods between member countries permits the use of foreign satellite systems in UK pubs.
It focuses on the appeal by Hampshire licensee Karen Murphy and will also look at civil action by the FA Premier League to stop foreign satellite suppliers importing foreign decoder cards into the UK.
The judgement is likely to have huge implications for the future of live football in pubs, with many believing that it could ultimately see subscription fees fall as Sky's dominance of screening rights is eroded.
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