The Premier League has suspended the controversial pay-per-view model in the United Kingdom until at least after the new year. This is seen as a reaction to the agitation against the model and the reintroduction of the coronavirus lockdown in the country.
The pay-per-view model meant that fans of the league would have to pay an extra 14.95 to watch some selected Premier League matches via BT Sport Box Office or Sky Sports Box Office. The system which gained prominence in September has been criticized by most football fans even though the league introduced the model to raise revenue for clubs.
In a statement issued today, November 13, the Premier League announced that starting from Saturday, November 21, throughout the Christmas and New Year period, football fans in the UK will have access to all Premier League games. This means that the games will be available to subscribers without having to pay any extra fees.
According to the league statement, football fans in the UK will watch all Premier League matches via existing Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon, and BBC services until after the festive period when the decision will be reviewed.
The Premier League said: “Working with our broadcast partners, and with the support of clubs, all matches will be shown via existing Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon and BBC services. Details of the first additional selections covering the period until the end of November are announced today. December and January selections will follow in due course alongside our usual UK live matches.
All #PL fixtures from Saturday 21 November, and throughout the Christmas and New Year period, will be available for fans to watch live in the UK
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 13, 2020
➡️ https://t.co/86QTeDIFvK pic.twitter.com/vPzdClfkyN
“There is a full schedule of Premier League games over the festive period and clubs are committed to an accessible solution for fans. These plans have been made with the cooperation of our broadcast partners, working with us to deliver these additional matches while stadiums are missing the supporters who are such an integral part of the game.
“The agreement will be reviewed in the new year following consultation with clubs, broadcast partners, and in line with any decisions made by the Government regarding the return of spectators to stadiums.
“The Premier League and our clubs remain committed to the safe return of fans as soon as possible.”
Based on the league’s statement, the Premier League might return to the Pay-per-view model if the UK government fails to allow spectators to return to match venues after the festive period.
Recall that the Premier League has been pushing for the safe return of spectators to stadiums but the UK government insisted that it is not safe enough for spectators to return to match venues.
As the fans await the outcome of the back and forth between the government and the Premier League in regards to the safe return of spectators to match venues, the fans will continue to stay back at home to watch their favorite teams play behind closed doors.
Below is the restructured Premier League schedule for November 2020 as the pay-per-view model has been suspended
Newcastle United vs Chelsea – Kick-off 12.30 pm
Aston Villa vs Brighton – Kick-off 3 pm
Tottenham v Man City – Kick-off 5.30 pm
Manchester United vs West Brom – Kick-off 8 pm
Sunday, November 22
Fulham vs Everton – Kick-off 12 pm
Sheffield United vs West Ham – Kick-off 2 pm
Leeds United vs Arsenal – Kick-off 4.30 pm
Liverpool vs Leicester City – Kick-off 7.15 pm
Monday, November 23
Burnley vs Crystal Palace – Kick-off 5.30 pm
Wolves vs Southampton – Kick-off 8 pm
Friday, November 27
Crystal Palace vs Newcastle – Kick-off 8 pm
Saturday, November 28
Brighton vs Liverpool – Kick-off 12.30 pm
Man City vs Burnley – Kick-off 3 pm
Everton vs Leeds – Kick-off 5.30 pm
West Brom vs Sheffield United – Kick-off 8 pm
Sunday, November 29
Southampton vs Man Utd – Kick-off 2 pm
Chelsea vs Tottenham – Kick-off 4.30 pm
Arsenal vs Wolves – Kick-off 7.15 pm
Monday, November 30
Leicester City v Fulham – Kick-off 5.30 pm
West Ham vs Aston Villa – Kick-off 8 pm
