As of August 1, GolTV – the 24/7 soccer network – has been removed from DISH Network due to a contract dispute.

According to GolTV, “this occurs despite efforts to continue GolTV’s availability to Dish customers.” DISH Network, in retort, inserted this message when you hit the INFO button where GolTV’s channel used to be: “GolTV has removed this channel after asking for unreasonable terms to renew the contract and we’re working to solve the problem.”

In the meantime, DISH Network is offering free previews of both Setanta Sports and Fox Sports Espanol to its customers. However, even if DISH Network customers subscribed to Setanta and Fox Sports Espanol, that won’t replace the void that’s left with GolTV gone because GolTV has exclusive license rights in the United States to La Liga and Bundesliga, as well as many 2010 World Cup qualifiers and this weekend’s Emirates Cup featuring Real Madrid, Hamburg, Juventus and Arsenal.

For DISH Network, the decision to remove GolTV is idiotic. Hopefully this a short-term disagreement between GolTV and DISH Network that will be resolved soon, but the timing couldn’t be worse and soccer fans will want to make a decision soon whether to leave DISH Network before the new seasons begin. My gut instinct says that this issue won’t be resolved soon especially when GolTV tells readers on its homepage that “You can find GolTV on our current distribution partners,” which includes DirecTV.

If you love GolTV, my recommendation would be to simply cancel your DISH Network subscription and move to DirecTV where you get GolTV there instead. If you’re upset about the situtation, vote with your dollars by leaving DISH but don’t forget to send them an e-mail too to let them know why you’re cancelling and moving to their biggest competitor.

DISH Network can be contacted here.

Related posts:

1. GolTV Tells Dish Network Customers To Switch
2. Setanta Now Available On AT&T U-Verse
3. Setanta Sports Experience Not Optimal for ITVN & DISH Subscribers

Arsenal fans in the United States, rejoice. The next three Emirates Cups, featuring Arsenal and an assortment of top clubs, will be televised on GolTV every summer between now and 2010.

This summer’s treat will feature live coverage of the following matches (all times eastern):

• Real Madrid v Hamburg, August 2, 9am
• Arsenal v Juventus, August 2, 11:15am
• Juventus v Hamburg, August 3, 9am
• Arsenal v Real Madrid, August 3, 11:15am

The 2008 Emirates Cup is the second annual pre-season tournament held at Emirates Stadium in London. Hosted by current reigning cup champions, Arsenal, the two-day tournament is played “group style,” meaning each team plays two matches and is awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw and one point for every goal scored. The team with the highest point total at the end of the tournament is crowned the 2008 Emirates Cup Champion.

Related posts:

1. GolTV To Televise 2009 Emirates Cup Featuring Arsenal
2. GolTV Removed From DISH Network
3. Arsenal Outclass Real Madrid in Emirates Cup