EFL threat to end 3pm TV blackout

THE EFL is considering abandoning the 3pm Saturday TV blackout and making every match available for broadcast from the 2024-25 season in a dramatic change of approach that could also involve seeking private investment in the Football League. It is understood that the 72 clubs discussed the radical proposals at a meeting in Walsall last month, with all options on the table as the EFL seek an improvement on the £119million-a-year TV deal with Sky Sports that expires in 2024. The EFL want more Premier League funding for cash-strapped clubs after the Government endorsed an independent regulator yesterday. But with negotiations slow since they began at the start of the pandemic they are considering other ways of raising revenue, including:

A radical change to the EFL TV offering by making every match available, either by selling direct to fans or through a deal with a streaming service like Amazon or Netflix.

Abandoning the EFL’s commitment to Article 48 of the UEFA regulations, which prevents matches being televised between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturdays in the UK.

Selling a stake in the EFL to private equity, similar to CVC Capital Partners buying shares in Premiership Rugby and the Six Nations. The Premier League would oppose any EFL move to abandon Article 48 and make more matches available for broadcast. A new deal will need to be agreed by summer 2023. PLANS to increase the length of half-time to 25 minutes were rejected by the game’s lawmakers IFAB yesterday. The proposal from South American governing body CONMEBOL would attempt to squeeze in Superbowl-style entertainment in the extra 10 minutes, but was discarded over fears of a heightened injury risk for players.