Sunderland chiefs are confident the club WILL receive cash compensation following the postponement of their pay-per- view TV clash with Merseyside giants Liverpool.

The Wearsiders were scheduled to play the European Champions in a money-spinning televised match at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, December 17. But Liverpool's participation in the World Club Championships in Japan means a new date must now be found.

That leaves Sunderland set to miss out on both TV money and possible lost gate receipts resulting from the match being played midweek instead of on a Saturday.

I understand that when the Black Cats were consulted by the Premiership over the fixture being re-arranged, they only agreed to do so on condition they'd be compensated for the loss of revenue.

And the Wearsiders' communications and marketing director Lesley Callaghan last night told the Sunday Sun: "We have had very positive dialogue both with Liverpool and Premiership officials, who are now handling this matter.

"We now fully expect it will be resolved with some financial compensation forthcoming for Sunderland AFC."

It seems Premiership officials are clinging to the hope they can resolve the problem by ensuring the new date found for the game fits Sky's pay-per-view TV schedule.

"The game has had to be moved and the situation is that it's proving difficult to find a new date for it at the moment," a Premiership spokesman said last night.

"The fixture schedules are very tight, especially with the Premiership season effectively finishing early to accommodate preparations for the World Cup finals."

"The date found for the fixture will obviously dictate whether or not the match can be accommodated in the television schedules . . .

"And no final decision on any compensation payable to Sunderland can be taken before that stage is reached."

If a date suitable for TV can't be found though, I understand it will be down to Liverpool to put their hands in their pockets and pay around £250,000 compensation.

The Anfield club - who have been told by both UEFA and FIFA that they must participate in the World Club Championships - have so far maintained they shouldn't have to cough up.

Chief executive Rick Parry said last week: "This is a compulsory tournament so I don't see why we should be asked to pay compensation."

But with Liverpool due almost £600,000 simply for turning up in Japan - and around £2.5 million should they be crowned World Club champions - the Premiership will insist they agree a compensation package.

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