Setanta hit for six after losing live matches

The English Premier League took the rights for Setanta's 46 live games next season back on Friday, after there was no 11th-hour rescue for the company. Disney-owned ESPN is now the favourite to pick up rights to screen the games, with BSkyB another possible buyer for some of the matches, although EU rules mean that it cannot own the rights to all the league's live games.

The auction came as a potential rescue by Access Industries, owned by Russian-born billionaire Len Blavatnik, stalled over potential tax liabilities on the deal. The proposed purchase of 51 per cent of Setanta for £20m had been seen as key to other interested parties taking stakes and its failure will come as a disappointment to subscribers and stakeholders alike.

The focus now turns to the 23-game package that Setanta owns for the three seasons from 2010-11 on. The contracts it also has with the Scottish Premier League, Premiership Rugby and the Football Association's FA Cup matches, among others, will come under scrutiny.

At the moment subscribers can still receive sports coverage, but provider BT Vision has now stopped selling new packages to customers, saying "We are in ongoing dialogue with Setanta and other relevant parties as the situation develops."

Quite what that situation may become is as yet unclear, but Deloittes is on the sidelines, ready to step in as administrator, possibly as soon as today, if the loss-making company's battle for survival fails.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:Toby Syfret of Enders Analysis in the Guardian: "In the event of Setanta collapsing and ESPN not being able or willing to pick up the pieces, this throws into prominence the competition issues about one partner having central control of all premier sport. The need for some acceptable Ofcom solution is key for the public."

Tom Dart in the Times: "Advertising revenues are down and potential bidders are short of cash. ITV is cutting its budgets and the BBC has little left to spend on live sport, having splashed out on Formula One and the RBS Six Nations. Despite the Premier League's bullishness, it too may find itself taking a hit in the pocket when it examines offers from new bidders…" ·