This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-21656061
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| SPL fans criticise executive pay | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Football fans have criticised the Scottish Premier League (SPL) for awarding their directors an "inflation-busting" pay deal. | |
| The latest SPL accounts show directors pay and benefits increased by 16.5%, despite a 6% fall in revenues. | |
| The SPL said a new five-year television deal was a sign of improved finances. | |
| But SPL Fans United questioned how the pay and benefits increase could be justified as a time when income was falling in harsh economic times. | |
| The league's figures, which cover the year to May 2012 and do not take into account Rangers' drop out of the top league, show income at £21.4m. | |
| Pay and benefits for the SPL's board of directors, which is approved by the member clubs, increased to £200,000. | |
| A spokesperson for SPL Fans United, a pressure group that campaigns for reform of the Scottish game, said: "I would think most fans would ask how the directors can justify that inflation-busting pay rise. | |
| "Given the current financial climate, it is disappointing to see SPL board directors taking a 16.5% pay rise. | |
| "Given that income is falling and many SPL fans are struggling to attend games it is unfortunate to see such rises in pay and remunerations." | |
| 'Tough economic climate' | |
| The amount of money distributed to member clubs in Scotland's top league fell by £1.6m, a drop of about 9% on the 2010-11 season. | |
| The SPL's directors said: "The tough economic climate within which the company (SPL) has operated in recent years looks likely to continue for some time. | The SPL's directors said: "The tough economic climate within which the company (SPL) has operated in recent years looks likely to continue for some time. |
| "This is exacerbated by the absence of Rangers FC from the league competition for several seasons ahead. | "This is exacerbated by the absence of Rangers FC from the league competition for several seasons ahead. |
| "New arrangements were negotiated with Sky Sports and ESPN which are expected to provide an increase in revenues from domestic live television broadcasting of 25% over the next five years." | "New arrangements were negotiated with Sky Sports and ESPN which are expected to provide an increase in revenues from domestic live television broadcasting of 25% over the next five years." |
| In July 2012, the SPL signed a new five-year TV deal with Sky and ESPN. Last month, BT Sport agreed to buy ESPN's UK and Ireland TV channels. | In July 2012, the SPL signed a new five-year TV deal with Sky and ESPN. Last month, BT Sport agreed to buy ESPN's UK and Ireland TV channels. |
| The league's current sponsorship deal with Clydesdale Bank is due to expire at the end of this season and a replacement has yet to be announced. | The league's current sponsorship deal with Clydesdale Bank is due to expire at the end of this season and a replacement has yet to be announced. |
| Scottish football is currently debating proposals to reorganise the league set-up, with the proposals including the merger of the SPL and the Scottish Football League into one body. | Scottish football is currently debating proposals to reorganise the league set-up, with the proposals including the merger of the SPL and the Scottish Football League into one body. |