Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called on broadcaster TNT Sports to allow football fans to watch Arsenal's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) without a subscription. The Prime Minister, a known Arsenal supporter, expressed his disappointment that the showpiece event would be behind a paywall for the first time in the competition's 34-year history.
Starmer's Appeal to TNT Sports
In a letter to TNT Sports, Starmer stated that "hard-working people should not have to worry about forking out for a subscription to watch a game of this magnitude." He emphasised that the Champions League final should remain free-to-air, regardless of which clubs are playing. "I am a firm believer that the final of this competition should remain free to watch, whether Arsenal have made it or not," he wrote.
The broadcaster currently offers a month-long subscription to HBO Max for £4.99, which includes access to all three European club competition finals. However, Starmer argued that this still places a burden on fans. "We should be putting supporters first," he said, urging TNT Sports to reconsider its decision.
Context and Criticism
This year marks the first time the Champions League final is not available on free-to-air television or via free streaming in the UK. TNT Sports holds the rights to the UEFA club competitions, and all three finals feature English clubs: Aston Villa won the Europa League, Crystal Palace plays in the Conference League final, and Arsenal faces PSG in the Champions League final.
A TNT Sports spokesperson defended the pricing, calling the £4.99 subscription "exceptional value" as it also includes access to HBO Max's entertainment content. "It has been a privilege to bring UEFA club competitions to sports fans across the UK throughout the season," the spokesperson said.
Arsenal will take on PSG, the current holders, in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday, May 30.
