Sky Sports' decision to broadcast every Premier League fixture last Sunday, complete with a multi-view option for four simultaneous 3pm kick-offs, has reignited calls for the abolition of the traditional Saturday blackout. The broadcaster's coverage allowed viewers to watch Crystal Palace v Brentford, Everton v Sunderland, Leeds v Brighton and Wolves v Fulham side-by-side, with commentary and analysis across all four matches.
The blackout, introduced in the 1960s to protect attendances at lower-league matches, prohibits live television coverage of football in the United Kingdom between 14:45 and 17:15 on Saturdays. It applies to domestic competitions including the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Professional Football League and the FA Cup. However, the English Football League has previously explored the possibility of scrapping the rule.
According to the article's author, the Sunday broadcast offered a glimpse of what Saturdays could look like if the restriction were lifted. The multi-view format was described as "fabulous" and "different class", but the piece argued that watching several games from home would not deter fans from attending matches in person, including at League One and League Two level.
TV insiders are reportedly convinced that all matches will eventually be shown live as part of the next broadcasting deal, largely because of the widespread issue of illegal streaming. The author noted that in north London, numerous shops and barbers are regularly seen showing unlicensed live feeds of matches, describing piracy as "out of control" and a greater threat to the sport than the blackout itself.
While the Premier League remains sensitive about the issue and insists there are no immediate plans to change the current system, the growing crossover of fixtures and frequent rule breaches have led many to believe the blackout is "waiting to be scrapped". The article concludes that the EFL, which has the most to lose if casual fans choose to stay home, may ultimately have little to fear from a shift towards greater televised access.
