SFL clubs face cash problems as row over bookies payments rumbles on ...REPORTS the Daily Record
SCOTLAND'S skint clubs are facing further cutbacks because of legal action being taken by the gambling industry.
The dispute, which could rumble on for years, centres around the refusal of bookies and pools companies to recognise the SFL, SPL and the Football League and Premier League down south own the copyright for the fixture lists.
Up until this year betting firms have paid for the privilege of using these lists but in spite of losing a High Court battle last year they have now taken the matter to the European Court of Justice - and are refusing to pay anything until a verdict is reached.
Scotland's clubs are suffering because the annual payment they receive from the SFL has been slashed as a result of the bookies withholding funds.
SPL clubs are sheltered from the loss of the bookies' money because it represents a much smaller percentage of their income.
However, SFL chief executive David Longmuir has warned his members they will need to cut their cloth accordingly.
He said: "Our clubs have been told there will be a 30 per cent cut in the money we will be able to pay them but I've been very careful with my words.
"I issued a profits warning at the last clubs' meeting, when I said the forecast for the year would be approximately 30 per cent down as a result of potential downside in the revenues we receive from the betting industry.
"In years gone by we have all benefited from the money received from the pools companies and bookmakers for the use of our fixtures.
"Now the big names are challenging that copyright and there was a High Court hearing in London at the beginning of the year.
"They found in our favour but until the case has been heard by the European court no monies are being paid to the British football bodies which is why I had to be prudent and reduce our revenue forecast for the year.
"It's a big challenge for us in a very difficult financial market. These European court cases could take ages and it's not just the Scottish League that's affected - the SPL, the English Premier League and their Football League are also involved.
"The four British bodies have an organisation called Football Data Co, which was put together some years ago.
"It used to be known as Football Fixtures.
"Football Data Co co-ordinates that side of things and that's how we deal with the betting industry.
"As with any appeal, the original decision is set aside until it can be heard.
"We were represented at the original hearing because one of the things you have to do is to demonstrate with proof that you own the intellectual copyright of the compilation of fixtures.
"This isn't a random selection - there is a science which goes into compiling them so as to avoid local clubs playing at home on the same day, for example.
"The legal term for that is sui generis, which means 'sweat of our brow'. We, along with the other ruling bodies, put in the effort to compile our fixture lists therefore there is copyright ownership.
"Consequently, anyone wanting to use those lists for their own gain - for example betting companies - must pay a fee for that."