PREM chiefs and broadcasters remain at odds over who set the £14.95 pay-per-view rates coming in this weekend.
But there is no sign of the policy being shelved despite a fan and Government backlash.
Richard Masters has blamed Sky Sports and BT Sports for the £14.95 PPVCredit: PA:Press Association
League chief executive Richard Masters insisted the per match charge, which kicks off with Chelsea’s home clash with Southampton on Sunday, was “set” by the broadcasters, Sky and BT.
He said: “We are obviously aware of the commercial model that was put in place and we had substantive conversations with BT and Sky about that.
“But we can’t set prices. Broadcasters have to set the retail price of their own products. That’s the law.”
BT chief Marc Allera, though, explained: “We had a suggested retail price which was suggested to us by the Premier League.
“We also have a cost that they’re charging us for those games. We’re certainly not making significant amounts of money out of this, we’re pretty much just covering our costs.
“The intent of the Premier League to put these games on was to get some money moving into some of the clubs and leagues that are struggling.
“That’s a good intent, and that’s reflected in the price that they’re charging us, while the price that we charge basically reflects the need for us to cover our costs.”
Masters cited the “Premier League production values” and the fact that games that would otherwise have gone untelevised live will not be screened.
And Allera added: “Our objective is to help the Premier League and the football ecosystem, helping them move money to places where it’s needed.
“It’s our job just to put them on and give those fans that can’t go to the stadiums the chance to watch those games.
“Whether it’s a few thousand or a few hundred thousand, it is still money that is going back into football and we’re pleased to be playing our part in that.”
Arteta opens door for Arsene Wenger to return to Arsenal after helping shape club into Premier League giants
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
