The SPFL has begun a search for a new international broadcast rights partner after ending their contract with MP & Silva over non-payment of money due to the league.

The agency, which had deals with top leagues around the world including the English Premier League and Serie A, has failed to make scheduled payments to a number of partners, including the SPFL.

MP & Silva has been described as being "in a state of paralysis", with the Italian league taking court action over the agency's failure to meet its obligations.

Missed payments to the SPFL have led to the league terminating their long-term deal and putting their international rights back on the market. The SPFL is also working on a short-term solution to allow international broadcasters to show live games in the weeks to come, with 167 overseas countries having shown league and league cup fixtures last season.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "Scottish football is growing in popularity at home and abroad.

"We are working to ensure that fans across the globe are able to enjoy matches from the Ladbrokes SPFL, the Betfred Cup and the IRN-BRU Cup as normal this season.

"This also allows us to explore opportunities to give even more fans worldwide the chance to watch our games."

The SPFL appointed MP & Silva as its overseas broadcast partners in 2013, signing a nine-year contract. The deal was intended to extend the coverage of Scottish football around the world, as well as delivering a financial boost to clubs.

It is not yet clear how much money is owed to the league, though the SPFL has said that would be no material impact on the fees paid to clubs.