Football: Carling in Premier League sponsorship talks
Senior officials and directors at Premier League sponsors Carling are meeting today to decide whether to continue their eight-year association with English top-flight football.
Board members at parent company Bass are unhappy that Thursday's meeting of Premier League chairmen did not result in any feedback about their bid.
There is a feeling within Bass that their bid has been on the table for months, and they are keen to start planning for next season, should their bid be successful.
A spokesman at Carling confirmed: "There is a board meeting taking place in Burton-on-Trent today where they are reviewing the position regarding sponsorship."
One of the options on the table is whether to pull out of the bidding process all together, and leave the way open to Budweiser. Carling are believed to have offered £13m a year for three years, while Budweiser are prepared to pay £15m.
A senior official at brewery giants Bass said: "There is disappointment the Premier League chairmen could not offer any clarification of the position and there is a feeling of 'come on guys'.
"The offer has been on the table now for a number of months. The longer we leave it, the more difficult it becomes for us to do our job properly in planning for next season."
