Thompson claims payment failure

03 June 2009 10:04
Both Setanta and the SPL on Tuesday refused to comment on the matter, while also denying claims an emergency meeting would be held by member clubs on Wednesday to discuss the issue.[LNB]But it is understood the SPL board were holding discussions this morning and would be reporting back to clubs later on Wednesday.[LNB]United supremo Thompson said: "It is really just a case of waiting to see what happens.[LNB]"The money was supposed to be paid on Monday but it never came through and I believe Setanta have several issues to work over at the moment.[LNB]"Of course I am worried about it but I think every chairman is because it is a significant amount of money."[LNB]An SPL spokesman admitted a number of decisions were being made behind the scenes to ensure the future of the organisation's relationship with Setanta.[LNB]The company have already asked to renegotiate their deal with the SPL after losing one of their contracts with the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]The latest development increases the financial pressure on SPL clubs fearing a loss in revenue from sponsorship, merchandise and season-ticket sales.[LNB]Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston, who said earlier in this year his club could go bust if they were relegated, told the Daily Record: "I am not going to comment on the Setanta situation until we have been briefed by the SPL board.[LNB]"I am not going to make any assumptions or speculate until I have been handed the facts.[LNB]"Discussions with Setanta have been ongoing for some time and I have no doubt they will continue."[LNB]St Mirren general manager Brian Caldwell feels his club would be able to cope with any financial shortfall, but warned players from some clubs may have to go without their end-of-season bonuses..[LNB]"We're probably best placed to survive if there is any problem with the TV money," he said.[LNB]"That has put us in a fortunate position but obviously even we would rather have that money than not have it.[LNB]"However, other clubs would have been relying on that payment in order to take care of their end-of-season bonuses for players.[LNB]"It would have been built into their cashflow for this period."[LNB]PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart believes some players may be left with no option but to move abroad.[LNB]He said in the Daily Mail: "This will be a very difficult time for players.[LNB]"But I would look to other countries to keep playing, places such as Ireland or even to India, where I have a contact who is looking for players.[LNB]"There are plenty of opportunities in foreign places, such as Hong Kong, if these players are willing to go the distance."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk