SAN FRANCISCO, October 09, (THEWILL) – The English Premier League (EPL) has reached a decision to charge fans £14.95 per match to watch each game that is not on standard television platforms.
The League’s decision was announced on Friday after a meeting between clubs. What it means is that it allows Sky and BT to charge for broadcasts via their respective pay-per-view systems, THEWILL learnt.
This was forced by the United Kingdom government’s decision to renege on a promise to let fans into stadiums, as an increase in coronavirus infections led to a reversal of the loosening of some restrictions.
But fans were not having it. They generally argued in the swift online furore that greeted the charge, that a fee of nearly £15 is too much for fans amid the financial impact of the coronavirus in the United Kingdom, and that the sum is too much compared to the monthly fees charged by both Sky and BT. Especially as these single matches have been shown free for 6 months.
The statement from EPL said on Friday: “The Premier League today confirmed all fixtures until the end of October will continue to be made available to fans to watch live in the UK.
“Under these new arrangements, the current live match selections will remain in place and will be broadcast as normal.
“In addition, the five matches per round not already selected will be made available to supporters on a pay-per-view basis, accessed via BT Sport Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office platforms.
“Clubs today agreed this interim solution to enable all fans to continue to watch their teams live.
ALSO READ: COVID-19: All Players, Officials In Super Eagles Camp Test Negative – NFF
“The Premier League has worked closely with Sky Sports and BT Sport to provide this arrangement and is grateful for their support. The agreement will be regularly reviewed in consultation with clubs and in line with any decisions made by Government regarding the return of spectators to stadiums.
“Football is not the same without supporters at matches. The Premier League and our clubs remain committed to the safe return of fans as soon as possible.”
THEWILL expects the EPL will take a feedback from the reaction of football fans across the UK to review this decision accordingly.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
