In the claim, the league says it is seeking a declaration that Carlton and Granada are liable as guarantors for future payments totalling £178.5m plus interest. An application has been made for an early hearing date, due to the severe financial crisis facing the league and its clubs.
The two ITV companies have denied responsibility for payments arising under the league's contract with their failed ITV Digital subsidiary. ITV Digital still owes the league £178.5m out of its £315m three-year TV rights contact.
Football League chief executive David Burns said: "From the outset of this dispute the Football League has made it abundantly clear that it will, if necessary, use all options to pursue Carlton and Granada for monies outstanding from our broadcasting agreement."
He added: "The Football League has sought to negotiate with [Granada's] Charles Allen and [Carlton's] Michael Green, but they have refused to meet with us and, in view of their unwillingness to enter into a meaningful business discussion, we are now focused on the legal process. Legal counsel has advised that the league has a strong case on the merits and we remain confident of success."
The Football League said in a statement that it was also preparing a claim against the ITV Network. The league will be arguing that ITV Digital and the ITV Network, guided by Carlton and Granada, have acted in partnership to exploit the league's media rights.
In view of Carlton and Granada's actions, the league has now accepted that ITV Digital's failure has brought their contract to an end. Consequently, the league has now taken back all media rights granted under that contract. This leaves a claim for damages, exceeding £500m, which will be lodged with the liquidator of ITV Digital, once appointed.
The league says it will also call on the liquidator to undertake a detailed investigation into the collapse of ITV Digital and the actions of those most closely concerned, including their directors and officers, Carlton, Granada and the ITV Network.
The league says it has commenced discussions with prospective partners concerning the sale of its broadcasting rights for the Nationwide Football League, Worthington Cup and LDV Vans Trophy. All interested parties will be invited to tender.
"The failure of ITV Digital should not distract people from recognising that the Football League remains a hugely popular and exciting sporting programme. More people attend our games than any other competition in Europe and this season we have enjoyed our best attendances for 33 years, with more than 15m people going through the turnstiles," Burns said.
Burns highlighted the fact that on Sunday alone, 7m people watched the Division One play-off final between Birmingham City and Norwich City, the league's highest television audience to date.
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