UK soccer league weighs Ofcom challenge

The UK Premier League is evaluating whether to mount a legal challenge to communications regulator Ofcom’s decision to force BSkyB to wholesale its sports channels to other pay-TV operators at regulated prices.

The Premier League and other sporting bodies are concerned that a decision will impact Sky’s profitability and ultimately the amount that it pays for sports rights. UK press reports said that the Premier League has asked lawyers to look at the Ofcom report, issued last week. The reports added that other sporting bodies are also considering legal challenges to the Ofcom recommendations. Sky, meanwhile, is preparing an official appeal.