VIAPLAY, the broadcaster behind Scotland men’s matches as well as the Scottish League Cup, might be about to leave the UK for good.
The channel, also the sponsor of the League Cup, has a deal to televise Scotland games until 2028.
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Viaplay acquired Premier Sports and its rights just last year.
However, the Nordic broadcaster is now on the brink of huge losses, according to the BBC, and is set to lay off a quarter of its staff to cut costs.
“We will exit Poland, Baltics, UK, US and Canada to re-focus on the Nordics and Netherlands,” said CEO Jorgen Madsen Lindemann.
“(We will) exit in the form of disposal, partnering or winding down the businesses.”
Viaplay, which televised last season’s United Rugby Championship featuring Edinburgh and Glasgow, has a deal to broadcast the Scottish Cup alongside BBC Scotland until next year.
Meanwhile, it holds the rights to show the League Cup until 2027.
Fans of the channel are furious.
“Really pleased I paid £60 in June for a years subscription,” one Twitter user commented sarcastically, regarding his payment to Viaplay’s online streaming service.
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Another wrote: “Shambles. Constantly letting these amateur companies into our game.”
Many fans have now begun to call for Scotland games to return to terrestrial TV.
“Right, get Scotland games back to terrestrial TV and if we must still pay, get the Scottish and League cups back onto Sky,” one fan tweeted.
“Would be cheaper all round if one broadcaster has all the domestic rights.”
Another said: “Good! Get the games on normal tele for everyone to watch and support.”
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
