Major changes are expected in the Premier League, with an additional 25 matches readied to be broadcast in the United Kingdom.
These incoming changes will see about 50 more matches televised, a notable change to the existing and choked-up football calendar.
There are reports that the 3:00 PM blackout in the United Kingdom, where matches cannot be televised, is also expected to be reviewed.
Those in charge of these changes have suggested an additional slot for Premier League games at 6:30 PM on Sundays.
This definitely implies that six matches will be broadcast every weekend, and additionally, there are proposals that more matches should be slated for Friday and Monday.
However, this could result in some issues among fans, particularly fans making long trips to watch their teams play away games.
The Community Shield final involving Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium had to be brought forward about 90 minutes, due to a litany of complaints from fans, largely supporters of the Citizens.
There are also ongoing talks over the possibility of putting a halt on the 3:00 PM blackout rule for matches in the United Kingdom.
This is basically geared towards boosting the visibility and the viewership of the women’s game.
Changes to the Premier League
The 3:00 PM blackout law that prohibits matches from being shown in the United Kingdom within that time frame, was enacted before the commencement of the Premier League in 1992.
This rule prevents Premier League games from being televised on Saturdays between 2:45 PM and 5:15 PM.
However, with the new realities being witnessed, it appears this rule would be modified, as the Women’s game in England continues to gather viewing attention across the globe.
Based on information from The Telegraph, Women’s club executives across the UK met in London on Monday, September 18, 2023, to discuss the way forward for the Women’s game.
They had discussions concerning a code or charter, as they aim to make the Women’s Super League (WSL), the first billion-pound football league in Women’s football.
There are also advances in talks over a new private equity group named “NewCo”, that would run the affairs of the WSL and Championship autonomously, away from the English FA.
In summary, the Women’s Super League have proposed moving league matches to the 3:00 PM blackout slot, to boost the visibility of the top-tier female league in England.
Additionally, there are expected to be more night matches in the Premier League on Sunday, due to these potential changes.
What is the 3:00 PM Blackout rule in the United Kingdom?
The rule was introduced before the commencement of the Premier League in 1992, and it is being implemented only for those in the United Kingdom.
This rule affects matches slated for 3:00 PM on Saturday, as they fall into the 2:45 PM and 5:15 PM timeframe when matches cannot be broadcasted.
Viewers outside the United Kingdom can view the matches on Television, but as earlier revealed, those in the UK can’t enjoy the games on TV.
Why was the rule introduced?
It was introduced to help teams in the lower pyramid of English football.
Bob Lord, Former chairman of Burnley found a way to convince executives of the Football League that matches being televised on Saturday afternoons will have a detrimental effect on attendance of matches in the lower leagues.
A quick example, imagine the Manchester Derby between Manchester United and Manchester City was to be shown on live Television, fans of teams in the lower tier could opt to watch that encounter.
This would reduce the money inflow to the lower leagues and that is why, the administrators have stuck to this rule, over 40 years later.
Has this rule ever been broken?
Yes! It has previously been broken, as until 2012, the FA Cup final was played at 3:00 PM, although it was exempted from the rule for cogent reasons.
Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove Albion’s meeting with Arsenal in the 2020/21 season, also became the first Saturday 3:00 PM Premier League match to be shown on television, and it was also for understandable reasons.
This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as matches were halted for a while, and as part of measures to restart action, that match had to be played by 3:00 PM.
