Viaplay Sports UK Crisis - The Sun: UEFA and Channel 4 'in talks' to screen Scotland games amid Viaplay turmoil

Story from The Sun:

UEFA and Channel 4 are reportedly in talks over rights to televise Scotland games after Viaplay chaos.

The current broadcast holders announced last month that they would be exiting the UK market after facing financial difficulties.

The Nordic-based company posted eye-watering losses and as part of major cost-cutting measures.

They say will also be focusing on their "core" markets going forward - meaning they will have NO future in the UK.

Viaplay took over from Premier Sports last season, with the League Cup being rebranded the Viaplay Cup in the process.

They also broadcast live Scottish Cup action, alongside BBC Scotland.

The company have the cup rights until 2027 and their agreement with the Scotland national team expires in 2028.

This has led to uncertainty over who will show matches involving Steve Clarke's side.

But according to broadcaster Ewan Cameron, Channel 4 are planning to swoop for the rights, with BBC Scotland also interested.

In a post on social media, he wrote: "BREAKING NEWS: Just been informed that Ch4 are in talks with UEFA to strike a deal to show the Scotland games.

"BBC Scotland are also interested.

"Viaplay is ending its coverage of sport in the UK, which includes Scotland men's matches."

Channel 4 currently also hold the rights to broadcast England matches.

If they or the BBC were to secure a deal, Scotland matches would be shown live for free.

Previously under Viaplay and Sky Sports, Scottish supporters had to pay monthly or yearly packages to see the side in action on their TV screens.

The Viaplay situation led to calls for the games to be shown live at no expense to punters.

The SNP’s Pete Wishart MP said: “This is really significant news and offers a number of opportunities for the free broadcasting of our men’s national team.

“We should all get together to do justice and a proper service to Scottish football. We need early clarification from Viacom about when they plan to stop airing coverage.

“Fortunately we have plenty of time with the next round of fixtures not until September but we need to know what their intentions are.

“Scotland fans have long felt a sense of unfairness that English and Welsh fans can watch their matches free and we cannot.”