SPL Legal Action

Preventing the unauthorised screening of matches not intended for live transmis

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
PRESS STATEMENT
31 August 2006

Today in the Court of Session an interim interdict was granted against the licensee of The Spirit bar in the East End of Glasgow. This has the effect of preventing the use of decoders to access and screen overseas broadcasts of Bank of Scotland Premierleague matches, which are not intended for access in Scotland.

Under UEFA's regulations, live broadcasts of football matches in Scotland cannot take place during the 'blocked hours' between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on a Saturday afternoon. The purpose of this is to encourage attendance at football matches and to foster and protect participation in amateur or youth football.

Use of decoders to screen Bank of Scotland Premierleague matches in licensed premises in Scotland at that time jeopardises that protection.

The SPL is committed to preventing the unauthorised screening of matches not intended for live transmission in Scotland.

An SPL spokesman said, "We are delighted with today's judgement. The use of decoders in this manner has a detrimental impact on recreational football in Scotland and can damage our clubs financially. Working with our clubs we will continue to monitor licensed premises and will take all necessary court action against offending pubs and clubs. Today's judgement in favour of the SPL should serve as a warning to others possessing and using, or thinking about using, decoders in this manner.

It should also be noted that we have received widespread support for our actions from law abiding publicans across the country whose legitimate trade is being damaged by this unlawful practice."