David Martindale insists top-flight clubs have been able to secure a ‘good’ TV contract after they voted to approve Sky Sports’ £150m deal.
There had been initial doubts as to whether or not the five-year deal, which begins in the 2024/25 season, would be passed after the Lions and Rangers had not voted in favour.
However, Livi boss Martindale claimed the club’s stance wasn’t against the TV deal but that they had doubts regarding a resolution change requiring an 11-1 majority vote from top-flight clubs to pass the deal.
Sky’s new contract will see up to 60 lives games broadcast per season, up from the current 48, as well as allowing clubs to broadcast five Pay Per View home matches to UK and Ireland viewers per season.
It’s believed 41 of the 42 SPFL clubs voted in favour with Rangers the sole team voting against.
Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Martindale said: “I don’t know what Rangers’ position is but Livingston’s position was that we were happy to sign the TV deal if that’s what the majority of clubs wanted – and it was.
“Do I think it’s great? No, but I think it’s good. When you strip it all back and take the noise away, it’s a deal that we’re fairly happy with.
“Where we weren’t happy as a club was the change of the resolution from needing 12 votes to 11. When you’re talking about what is effectively a seven-year deal, you’d ideally be wanting all 12 teams on board.
“Our stance was if the majority wanted to go ahead with the Sky deal we were happy too, but we were disappointed with the rule change albeit we’re fairly happy with the deal.
“If you voted for the Sky deal but against the resolution, then the Sky deal fails.”
He added: “We’re in a cost of living crisis and probably at the start of a recession. We leave the negotiations for a year, maybe the same offer isn’t on the table.
“Would you rather have guaranteed money that you know you’re getting if you stay in the Premiership? Yes, because you can budget for that being there.
“Scottish football is in a fantastic position, as a collective. Look at the national team just now then Rangers and Celtic both being in the Champions League group stages.
“It’s phenomenal and you’ve also got Hearts in the Europa Conference. Scottish football has loads to shout about right now.”
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