The English Football League and ITV giants Carlton and Granada will meet in court today as the four-day £131.9 million case over ITV Digital's huge debts begins.
The outcome of the station's collapse will be decided at the hearing in the London High Court, with legal experts on both sides battling over the disputed "parent guarantees".
The League argue the short-form contract for the £315 million sterling deal to screen Division One, Two and Three matches for three seasons from August 2001 had a back-up clause - meaning ITV Digital shareholders Carlton and Granada would bail their subsidiary out of any financial trouble.
But Carlton and Granada argue they are not liable for the outstanding payments on ITV Digital's football contract.
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PA