Alba Party Urge BBC to Secure Scotland Football Rights As Broadcaster Pulls Out of UK

ALBA Party have urged BBC Scotland to step in and secure Scottish National Team Football rights to ensure free viewer access for all.

Their call comes as Viaplay has pulled out of its coverage of sport in the UK, which includes broadcasting Scotland men's matches as well as the Scottish League Cup.

The company will lay off a quarter of its staff to cut costs with huge losses imminent.

The Nordic broadcaster, also the sponsor of the League Cup, has a deal to televise Scotland games until 2028.

The contract to show Scotland games - which saw Steve Clarke's side record memorable wins against Spain, Norway and Georgia on the channel - is brokered through Uefa.

The Scandinavian company also has a deal to broadcast the Scottish Cup alongside BBC Scotland until next year, while it holds the rights to show the League Cup until 2027.

Urging BBC Scotland to get around the negotiating table with UEFA and Viaplay to secure the rights which would allow for free viewership for all, Alba Party Youth Convener Christina Hendry said:

“Football has always been for everyone in Scotland but over the years it has become increasingly more expensive for people to watch live televised football, often with several different costly subscriptions required.

“All Scottish National Team games should be broadcasted free for everyone to view and no person that wants to support Scotland should be priced out of tuning in to watch.

“The decision of Viaplay to pull out of the UK should present an opportunity for the BBC in Scotland to get around the table with UEFA and Viaplay to secure the rights. Over £300M is raised in Scotland through the license fee but less than £100M is spent on Scottish content. It’s time for the BBC to play its part in giving Scottish football fans a fair deal."