Setanta have confirmed they have suspended any new subscriptions from their sports services but insisted efforts to avoid administration are still continuing. A statement on Setanta's website said: "Setanta Sports management and investors are in the process of attempting to secure the future of the business.

"Contrary to several reports, we have not gone into administration.

"All of our channels are still broadcasting across all platforms and our subscribers can continue to enjoy our programming.

"However, in the current circumstances, we have decided to temporarily suspend the acceptance of new subscriptions.

"Our customer services operations are still open and available to handle customers queries."