TV SHAKE-UP PLAN

THE next UK Premier League television deal could see multiple games screened at the same time. An agreement between the competition and communications regulator Ofcom means the next broadcast deal, for the three seasons starting 2019-2020, will see the number of matches screened rise from 168 to 190. The agreement, which is aimed at increasing competition, sparked fears that matches would take place in new slots, such as Sunday mornings and evenings. However, it is understood Premier League bosses are looking at screening multiple games at once, in a bid to avoid playing matches at inconvenient times for supporters. Officials are taking a close look at the Champions League model, which allows fans to choose which match they would like to watch by pressing the red button. While a scenario where rival broadcasters screen matches at the same time cannot be ruled out, it is thought to be unlikely at this stage. Early discussions between the Premier League and its clubs have focused on broadcasting more matches through the week and on bank holidays. And there are points of the season in which a full round of fixtures are played over a Tuesday and Wednesday, and screening a game on both evenings is thought to be another favoured option. The agreement came after an investigation by Ofcom into how the Premier League sell UK rights for matches, carried out under the Competition Act of 1988. It examined whether the top flight restricted or distorted competition.