The powerful NSW and Queensland clubs lobby has rejected proposed massive subscription increases proposed by News Corporation’s Fox Sports for showing its sporting pay-TV programs in their premises.

The clubs claim the price increases of up to 48 percent could cost some clubs up to $30,000 a year. They are seeking permission from competition watchdog ACCC to conduct a joint boycott of the services.

The  new pricing “can only be described as a gouge, which must be challenged,” said Clubs NSW chief executive Anthony Ball.

One newspaper report says that so far 37 clubs in NSW and Queensland have received notice of big subscription increases. It claims 21 have had increases of $590 a week, or $30,000 a year, while the other 16 had increases of $336 a week, or $17,472 annually.