Esta plans wave of anti-Sky actions

The European Satellite Television Association (Esta) plans to launch a wave of legal actions against Sky in a bid to open up a free European market for broadcasting football.

Representing foreign satellite suppliers, Esta is opening membership to licensees considering using a foreign satellite system due to concern about Sky's rising costs.

For £650, licensees will be covered for up to £20,000 worth of legal defence expenses for civil or criminal convictions from Esta Law - a new division of the organisation.

"By taking the fight to Sky we hope to open up a free European market," said Esta chairman Colin McGhee.

Esta's cases against Sky aim to reclaim money for hosts who have successfully appealed against rateable values (RV). Councils can refund up to three years' of charges; Sky only refunds 12 months' worth.

And the group, which met with the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group last month, hopes to take Sky to the European Court, helped by broadcast watchdog, Ofcom, and the Competition Commission, citing abuse of dominant position for preventing cable suppliers providing services to pubs.

But MA legal editor Peter Coulson cast "serious doubt" on the credibility of the actions. He believes Esta's campaign is a direct response to pressure following a recent warning from local government co-ordinator LACORS that personal licences are at risk for screening football via foreign satellite systems.

Sky said: "We always offer refunds to customers who have had RV reduced - and we make all our channels available to cable companies."