Jeff Stelling has passionately voiced his disapproval of the proposed changes to the 3pm Saturday broadcasting blackout period in English football, which could have ramifications for clubs such as Sunderland, Leeds United, and their EFL counterparts. The long-standing rule, implemented in 1960 to preserve matchday attendance, currently prohibits the broadcasting of fixtures that kick off at 3pm. However, there are reports indicating that this restriction may soon be lifted, potentially as early as the start of the 2029/30 season.
The driving force behind this potential change appears to be the Premier League’s desire to increase revenues, as the industry sees a decline in TV income. There is a growing belief among stakeholders that showing more matches could lead to financial benefits during future broadcasting rights negotiations and help to combat illegal streaming. Despite these potential advantages, concerns have been raised by officials in the Football League about the impact of 3pm broadcasts on ticket sales and the overall support for clubs in the lower divisions.
Stelling, expressing his concerns on talkSPORT, criticized the attitude of the Premier League towards lower league teams, accusing them of prioritizing their financial interests over the well-being of clubs outside the top flight. He argued that lowering subscription prices could be a more effective solution to tackle illegal streaming and called for a greater focus on safeguarding the future of lower league clubs. Stelling emphasized that showcasing high-profile matches at 3pm on Saturdays could divert attention away from lower league games, potentially leading to a decline in attendance and threatening the very existence of clubs in the lower tiers of English football.
