Premier League clubs are set to make a decision on whether to bin the controversial pay-per-view model for fixtures as the UK enters a second nationwide lockdown.
The scheme – which saw non-televised fixtures made available to supporters for a fee of £14.95 via Sky and BT Box Office – has sparked an angry backlash from supporters already frustrated by their continued absence from stadiums.
It has proven nothing short of a PR disaster for the Premier League and the latest example of clubs prioritising finances over fans, supporter groups having criticised the model as simply a money-making scheme for top flight sides.
According to the Daily Mail, the model will be discussed at a shareholders’ meeting today, where solutions could include the possibility of reducing the cost for pay-per-view fixtures or scrapping the scheme completely during the UK’s four-week lockdown.
Premier League fixtures were all made available via broadcasters at no additional charge during the previous lockdown and supporters are hopeful a similar agreement can be reached at today’s meeting.
It is understood, however, that fan groups would be happy with a fairer pricing of pay-per-view fixtures, with an acknowledgement that clubs are dealing with the continued financial impact of empty stadiums.
Read – Scholes questions three players in Man Utd’s ‘laughable’ defending in Istanbul
Read Also – Golazo Merchants: The Boss of Bosses, Alan Shearer