November 5 – Under huge pressure from fans’ groups, Premier League clubs are reportedly poised for a u-turn over the controversial pay-per-view initiative that has caused outrage among subscribers of Sky and BT Sport.
Scrapping the system, under which fans who already pay an annual subscription to watch their teams are being asked to pay even more for selected games, is apparently being discussed at today’s Premier League shareholders’ meeting along with an alternative idea of reducing the £14.95 fee following the upcoming international break.
Supporters’ groups have lambasted the scheme and are instead boycotting watching their teams in favour of donating money to food charities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tom Greatrex, vice-chair of the Football Supporters’ Association, says a return to showing all games for free should be considered.
“Given the situation we’re going into now is most similar – albeit with colder weather – to the situation we were in in June, there is a strong case for following that same model and approach,” he said.
“Our message is not just to the Premier League – it’s to Sky, and BT Sport as well, that they need to think very carefully about the context we’re in and the impact on their brand and how far people will continue to be their customers in the future.
“I don’t think it’s overstating it to say that people will think about that, and remember that, when we’re out the other end of this.”
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