The A-League’s organisers are reeling again with their broadcast partner going into administration.
Global Advance’s demise took the Australian Professional Leagues by surprise, according an APL statement.
The APL has endured a tough year with several public relations disasters. It made half of its workforce redundant, decimated its digital arm and Keep Up app and website, and faces financial issues at several clubs.
“We were made aware today that Global Advance (GA), the independent production company that produces the telecast for our women’s and men’s matches, has gone into administration,” the APL said in a statement.
“We are disappointed in the manner in which this has come to our attention, and the risk this has placed on our fan, player, club, broadcast and commercial commitments. We have been let down, and will be working with the administrators to recoup monies owing to APL.”
As part of their broadcast contract with Ten-Paramount the APL are responsible for the production of A-League matches. There have been issues over coverage standards – and the poor quality of the Paramount experience.
The APL has been unable to guarantee that matches will be shown as per schedule, but are “confident” they will be.
“Through a lot of hard work by a new production company, Ten-Paramount, and our team, we are close to finalising an agreement and are confident all matches will be broadcast, starting (Thursday),” an APL spokesman said.
“There are many challenges that such a short time frame presents, but we are working through this urgently with all of our stakeholders, and we thank the production company for their co-operation, flexibility and expertise at such short notice.
“Finally, we want to acknowledge all of the great staff at GA, along with their suppliers, that have been impacted by this. They have played a big role in bringing A-Leagues football to screens over the past few years and we are thinking of them through this tough time.”