The English Football League was today granted a speedy hearing of its multi-million claim against the owners of ITV Digital, Carlton Communications plc and Granada Media plc.
Mr Justice Thomas granted the application at the High Court in London after hearing that several clubs faced "financial hardship" because the television contract with the League had been withdrawn.
A trial will now be heard in July, before the August 1st date when the first of the contract money was due to be paid by ITV Digital.
The League has filed a claim for Stg£178.5 million against the two companies but is preparing a case against the whole ITV network for damages exceeding Stg£500million with the liquidators of ITV Digital when they are appointed.
The League are claiming that Carlton and Granada are liable for ITV Digital's debts for their television contract with Nationwide League clubs.
The court action will hinge on whether Carlton and Granada are liable for the remainder of the Stg£315 million television deal agreed by ITV Digital.
PA