• Premier League

City not in favour of TV breakaway

Harry Harris, Football correspondent
October 12, 2011
Manchester City already arguably boast the financial clout to ensure extra television money is not a priority © Getty Images
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Manchester City do not consider the selling of individual overseas television rights as viable, ESPNsoccernet has learned.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre revealed on Tuesday his backing for individual Premier League clubs to negotiate their own broadcast rights packages.

The proposal is similar to the current agreement in Spain where Real Madrid and Barcelona receive a far greater share of income compared to their La Liga counterparts.

Ayre's suggestion has been met by criticism from some sections, who claim a potential television breakaway would increase the gap between England's more successful clubs and their rivals, therefore reducing competition.

And City have admitted to ESPNsoccernet the issue is "not on our agenda", in particular as such a change would require the backing of 14 of the Premier League's 20 clubs.

A City source said: "Arsenal stated their case at Leaders in Football that they subscribe to the collective principal of selling TV rights - Chelsea stated something similar.

"Clearly with a 14-club vote in favour necessary to make the change, that is not really something worth even considering as a possibility."

Chelsea have also reiterated their stance, with a spokesman stating to the Guardian: "We are supportive of the Premier League on this and want to continue with the way they sell collectively."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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