New ruling on pub tv soccer

Pub landlords showing European broadcasts of Premier League games were today facing more prosecutions and hefty fines after a new court ruling over television rights.

A High Court judge ruled the broadcasts breached UK copyright laws in an unexpected twist.

Premier League officials immediately warned they would resume legal action against pubs showing matches illegally.

The judgement was welcomed by top-flight football clubs. However dismayed publicans who have introduced foreign satellite feeds to show games said the ruling could put them out of business.

A landmark European Court ruling in October appeared to have given pubs the green light to show football broadcasts from within the EU.

However Lord Justice Kitchin, announcing his interpretation of the European Court of Justice judgement, said there had been "copyright infringement".

And a Premier League spokesman responded by saying: "We will now resume actions against publicans who are using European Economic Area foreign satellite systems to show Premier League football on their premises unlawfully."

Wolves spokesman Matt Grayson said Lord Justice Kitchin's findings were "good news". Average attendances at Molineux are down this season.

West Bromwich Albion chief executive Mark Jenkins added: "We have wholeheartedly supported the Premier League's efforts to stamp out the illegal screening of matches."

However Rachel Smith, who runs the New Inn in Norton, Stourbridge with her husband Richard, said the verdict was a "huge blow".