Pubs could benefit from Setanta football rights failure

Pubs could benefit from the sale of some Premier League football rights for next season if Setanta fails to pay up.

The embattled broadcaster holds the rights to 46 Premier League games next year and a further 23 for the following three seasons.

But the Premier League has told Setanta it has until Friday 19 June to pay a reported £30m or the rights will be sold on — perhaps opening the way for a free-to-air broadcaster to snap up the rights.

Pubs have only been able to access Setanta games if they subscribed to Sky's Ultimate package.

But Sky would only be able to buy one package of 23 games from Setanta for next season if they are sold as it is barred from holding all the games. It would be unable to bid for the other three-year single package of 23 games.

"In view of the shortage of time before the start of next season, the Premier League has determined, with the agreement of Setanta, that it shall today issue its invitation to tender in respect of the 46 UK live matches for the 2009/10 season only," a Premier League spokesman said.

"The bid deadline has been set for Monday 22 June but we will give all prospective bidders notice late on Friday 19 June if Setanta have met their conditions, thereby negating the need for bids to be submitted."