Editorial |
Football League - It is Not Over Yet!
By: Bill Osborne
Date: 25/06/2006
GRIMSBY Town chairman, John Fenty, says that he is mystified after the Football League won just £4 in damages in its High Court negligence action against Edge Ellison - its former legal advisors in its broadcasting contract negotiations with OnDigital.
Fenty said; "For the Football League to be awarded a derisory sum is rather confusing. On top of which, the Football League are now required to pay the costs for the case. I find this absurd and we are obviously very disappointed by the outcome."
"We thought that after all this time that there was going to be some good news. Because the deliberation took so long this gave a lot of people optimism. We thought that there might be a sensible, middle of the road outcome to the case."END
According to reports the Football League put up a strong case in the opinion of members of the legal profession and the findings may be met with a stronger challenge in the court of appeal.
With a legal bill of 5million facing the League, another few hundred thousand pounds spent on an appeal, would be better than accepting the judges ruling and their current legal advisors will probably take that road.
The Football League clubs have not yet recovered from the OnDigital collapse and some never will. This action for damages was a lifeline for them and these findings are a bitter blow, not just to them, but to football throughout the UK.
If the League finally have to pay, there could be increased costs for everything in League football to enable them to pay the bill. There could be a levy on ticket prices and it could also mean that the TV income could be used if it meant the survival of the League.
The Football League is not an entity in its own right. It is the 92 clubs in the League, which may mean that each club may have to pay their share of the 5million legal bill.
As if the OnDigital collapse in itself was not enough.
Despite the action against their legal advisors, one wonders why anyone would enter into a multi million pound contract without first reading the small print and looking for guarantees.
If the League do appeal and win, the judges will, in assessing the damages, take into account the Football Leagues own shortcomings in the acceptance of the contract.
So, there is still some hope. If the Football League make the right decision.
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This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!
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