The English Football League has lost a legal bid to force broadcasters Granada and Carlton pay money owed to clubs following the collapse of ITV Digital.
The League sued Granada and Carlton for £131.8 million they said was owed by ITV Digital under a contract to broadcast soccer matches.
The judge said the Football League had been naive in its dealings with ITV Digital, entering a multi-million pound agreement without securing proper financial guarantees.
Club chairmen have picketed the broadcasters' London offices.
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Granada and Carlton said they welcomed the court decision.
The League has re-awarded the contract to BSkyB. They already hold the rights for live coverage of premier league matches.