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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

STV issue free-to-air Scottish football alternative after Viaplay statement

STV chiefs have thrown open the door to a possible broadcaster partnership to bring more Scottish football matches free-to-air.

The broadcaster will "actively explore" possible avenues to offer live coverage of Scottish football "where this can be achieved on a commercial basis".

Viaplay announced a radical plan to refocus efforts in the Nordic and Netherlands markets on Thursday prompting concerns over Scottish broadcast rights deals.

However, both the SPFL and Scottish FA remain relaxed over the situation with payments to both bodies up to date.

It's expected Viaplay Cup matches will continue to be aired by the Nordic broadcaster this season with little disruption.

And the Scottish FA have no concern over the recent developments with fees banked and rights to show Scotland national team matches sold by UEFA.

Viaplay also hold the rights to the Scottish Cup which are sold by IMG.

Now, though, STV have suggested they could partner with another broadcaster to bring Scottish matches to free-to-air TV if the opportunity arises.

While no guarantees have been made over any deal it appears STV would be willing to explore the possibility after Viaplay's decision to seek a partnership or even sell on TV rights in international zones.

An STV statement in response to the developing Viaplay scenario read: “Like our viewers, we’d love for more Scottish matches to be available free-to-air, including on STV where this can be achieved on a commercial basis.

"We continue to actively explore different ways of bringing more Scottish football to STV viewers, including the potential of sharing of rights with other broadcasters.”

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