Ferguson Says TV Has Too Much Power Over Clubs

Alex Ferguson complained Monday that television companies have too much power over clubs, despite the rise in broadcast revenue over the last 20 years helping Manchester United dominate English football.

The United manager is unhappy that the Premier League fixture list is determined by the rights holders for live matches—Rupert Murdoch-controlled BSkyB and The Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN.

“When you shake hands with the devil you have to pay the price,” Ferguson told the BBC, which broadcasts highlights from the Premier League.

United alone received 60.4 million pounds (then $99 million) in broadcast revenue last season as it won a record 19th English title, helping the club clear 51.2 million pounds (then $83.4 million) of interest costs to meet debts.


From: http://ping.fm/B513E