English football may witness a historic change: lifting the ban on broadcasting matches at 3 PM on Saturdays, a rule that has lasted for over 60 years.
Image: The Sun |
The ban, implemented by the FA in the 1960s, aimed to protect stadium attendance by preventing fans from choosing to watch on television instead of buying tickets. However, advancements in technology and growing demand for football broadcasts have rendered this regulation outdated.
The Premier League and EFL are considering abolishing the ban within the next five years, coinciding with the expiration of current broadcasting contracts. Data indicates that broadcasting matches does not significantly impact stadium attendance, and other European countries have long since removed such restrictions.
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While the FA remains concerned about potential effects on live attendance, agreement among stakeholders and the opportunity to increase broadcasting revenue could herald a new era for English football, where all matches are widely accessible to fans around the globe.