ITV Digital's administrators today issued a statement admitting there had been a "lack of progress" in talks with the English Football League over their television deal.
ITV Digital went into administration owing the League £178.5 million sterling for the remaining two years of the TV deal.
The statement to the Stock Exchange said: "Since Monday's High Court hearing the administrators of ITV Digital have been assessing the impact of the lack of progress in negotiations with the Football League on the company's business plan.
"It is now apparent that this has dissuaded some other suppliers from seriously engaging in restructuring discussions. The shareholders are re-evaluating the business plan and therefore no formal offer has been made to the Football League". The next step in the saga is a meeting of League chairmen in Manchester, today.
It had been expected the latest offer from ITV Digital would be formally submitted at the meeting. But lawyers acting for ITV Digital's administrators sent a fax to the League's board last night withdrawing a £74 million offer to settle the dispute.
The sudden withdrawal suggests Granada and Carlton may have decided they have little chance of securing a deal with the Football League and may put ITV Digital into liquidation early next week.
PA