Scottish Premier League chiefs have lept to the rescue of their clubs by agreeing to pay the £3m owed to 12 member clubs by broadcaster Setanta.

The cash-strapped broadcaster had been due to pay their final payment to the clubs on Monday but their lack of funds forced the league chiefs hand.

After a second board meeting in three days the SPL decided to reach into it's own pocket to prevent any club facing difficulties.

Negotiations are continuing between the SPL and Setanta this weekend.

The broadcaster, which last year agreed to pay £125m over four seasons for extending its exclusive live coverage from 2010, has been attempting to renegotiate because of its money problems.

The SPL board has sought advice from it's financial and legal advisors with some reports suggesting that in theory they could terminate its contract with the broadcaster as early as next week.