STV HAVE been urged to take on the rights for Scottish football matches by the Scottish Greens.
This comes as Viaplay have made a strategic decision to focus on the Nordic markets instead of the UK market and lay off 25% of it's workforce.
Gillian Mackay MSP, and the Scottish Green Party spokesperson for health, social care and sport, has written a letter to STV chiefs, writing that “far too many people are being priced out of our beautiful game” and if they want children to look up to athletes then they need to see “both the men's and women's teams in action”.
She continued: “Many countries already ensure their games are free to view. I believe Scotland should join them. Since starting my campaign to make football accessible for all, I have been inundated with emails from people the length and breath of this country supporting our call.
“You have an opportunity to play a leading role in bringing a nation together again. An opportunity to be the broadcaster who gave us hope.”
READ MORE: Viaplay saga raises questions but presents opportunity for change
This comes as STV suggested they could partner with another broadcaster to bring Scottish matches to free-to-air TV if the opportunity arises.
An STV statement in response to the developing Viaplay scenario read: “Like our viewers, we’d love for more Scottish matches to be available free-to-air, including on STV where this can be achieved on a commercial basis.
"We continue to actively explore different ways of bringing more Scottish football to STV viewers, including the potential of sharing of rights with other broadcasters.”
Viaplay will "actively explore" possible avenues to offer live coverage of Scottish football "where this can be achieved on a commercial basis".
The broadcaster announced a radical plan to refocus efforts in the Nordic and Netherlands markets on Thursday prompting concerns over Scottish broadcast rights deals.
However, both the SPFL and Scottish FA remain relaxed over the situation with payments to both bodies up to date.
It's expected Viaplay Cup matches will continue to be aired by the Nordic broadcaster this season with little disruption.
READ MORE: New salmon farming strategy in Scotland welcomed by industry leaders
And the Scottish FA have no concern over the recent developments with fees banked and rights to show Scotland national team matches sold by UEFA.
Viaplay also hold the rights to the Scottish Cup which are sold by IMG.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel