Scottish Premier League chairman Ralph Topping has claimed that two potential sponsors have pulled out because of recent events and bad publicity, reports BBC Sport. And he has urged the 10 non-Old Firm clubs to withdraw their attempt to change the voting structure, suggesting it is damaging its commercial future.
Three club chairmen have told BBC Scotland they have been angered by Topping's letter to the 10 clubs.
And they question whether the SPL's board can now be viewed as impartial.
"On the commercial front, I am aware of two companies who were strongly attracted to the idea of sponsoring the SPL when Clydesdale Bank's tenure comes to an end in summer 2013," he added.
"Both companies were viewed as serious potential bidders for the title rights.
"Unfortunately, both companies have now decided to withdraw their interest in the light of recent developments in the SPL.
"It will not have escaped your notice that Sky and ESPN have so far failed to return draft contracts sent to them in 2011.
"I have spoken to one of our live broadcast partners who is concerned about current uncertainties with Rangers and who at the time of our conversation was anxious to learn more about recent talk of clubs resigning en masse from the SPL."
The SPL did not wish to respond to the criticism of Topping's letter by the three club chairmen.
"Both companies have now decided to withdraw their interest in the light of recent developments in the SPL."
