The Football League has lost its claim for £150m in damages from its former legal advisers over a collapsed £140m television deal.

The league, which represents teams in the lower three divisions outside the Premier League, was ordered to pay 90% of solicitors Edge Ellison's costs.

The league was suing over its advice on a deal with pay-TV company ITV Digital which collapsed in 2002.

The judge found two breaches of duty for which he awarded just £4.

The Football League is now liable for most of the legal costs of the case which legal experts say could be as high as £5m.

ITV Digital collapsed after it could no longer afford its payments to the league.

That left some clubs in serious financial straits and unable to pay players.

Some had invested in grounds improvements in anticipation of funds which never materialised.

The league had been seeking £150m from Edge Ellison (now Hammond Solicitors) for the lack of payments - making it one of the biggest professional negligence claims.

Thanks to BBCi