EFL clubs to screen matches during lockout
SUPPORTERS of Yorkshire’s nine English Football League clubs are to benefit after the league’s governing body and Sky Sports reached an agreement to stream non- televised matches while attendance at games is restricted due to Covid- 19.
Season- ticket holders will be able to stream home matches, subject to the agreement of individual clubs and seasonticket holders of Championship clubs will also be able to watch their team’s away matches in midweek.
For weekend away matches in the Championship and for supporters of League One and Two clubs playing matches away from home at the weekend or in midweek, a match pass priced at £ 10 must be bought.
The situation is up for review at the start of October when some supporters could potentially allowed to return to stadiums, with a limit of a 30 per cent capacity at grounds having been set by the government.
An EFL statement read: “The broadcaster will show 130 live EFL league matches throughout season 2020/ 21, kicking- off with Watford v Middlesbrough on Friday, September 11 2020 before another two fixtures are televised throughout the opening weekend.
“And whilst the doors remain shut to fans, or with limited spectators allowed through the turnstiles, an arrangement exists whereby all matches that are not live on Sky Sports will be available to stream by clubs on iFollow ( or club equivalent service), for a match pass price of £ 10.”
EFL chief executive David Baldwin said: “There is no argument that attending live matches is what the League, its clubs and fans want to see and, clearly, the overriding objective is to get supporters back into stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so.
“In the meantime, this framework allows our clubs, if they so wish, to reward their most loyal supporters by providing what we hope is only short- term access to watch their matches.
“It is important that whilst the doors remain fully, or part shut, we ensure there is the ability for fans of all EFL clubs to be able to gain access and watch their team and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sky Sports for their support in this matter.
“Collectively, it is not our preferred situation, but given the circumstances Covid has presented us, it gives us a temporary option whilst we finalise our plans for fans returning.”