Foreign TV cards threat to football
Quality of English football "will suffer"
Use of cards causing conflict between pubs
Foreign satellite cards used by pubs "threaten the lifeblood of English football" according to the Premier League (PL).
The claim came at a landmark legal battle between the PL and satellite suppliers QC Leisure and AV Station.
PL solicitor Oliver Weingarten told the High Court: "The Premier League has suffered significant losses as a result of the defendants' actions, and will continue to do so if the defendants' actions remain unchecked.
"In particular, the sale of non-UK cards in substantial numbers to licensees across the United Kingdom means that fewer legitimate cards are sold to licensees by the Premier League's authorised dealers.
"This has the effect of diluting the value of the
Premier League's audio-visual rights as the Premier League's authorised dealers no longer have the benefit of the exclusive right to broadcast particular matches in the United Kingdom.
"Ultimately, the quality of English football will suffer."
The High Court also heard that the use of foreign
satellite decoder cards by licensees had turned pub against pub.
James Mellor QC, for the PL, said the PL had received complaints from licensees that their trade was being hit by competitors screening matches on the cheap using the foreign cards and equipment.
The Premier League is seeking a ban on importing, selling, hiring, advertising, installing and maintaining decoders.
The hearing continues. Visit www.morningadvertiser.co.uk for updates.
Man Utd used foreign systems
Manchester United Football Club used foreign satellite football systems to view football matches, the court heard.
Weingarten admitted that five major clubs — including United — had used them as well as licensees.
When asked if it was right that most Premier League clubs had used them, he said it was not.
Weingarten said they were acquired by junior members of their "scouting" teams and clubs stopped using them when asked by the PL.
