Premier League to review pay-per-view matches policy in coming weeks
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has called on the Premier League to urgently review its current pay-per-view arrangements
Tuesday 27 October 2020 17:20, UK
The Premier League will review its stance on pay-per-view (PPV) matches in the coming weeks after the Premier League shareholders' meeting took place on Tuesday.
During October, matches not initially selected for regular TV broadcast have been made available on a pay-per-view basis accessed via Sky Sports' and BT Sport's existing Box Office platforms at £14.95 each.
The Premier League announced the decision following Government-imposed restrictions on supporters attending matches, which mean all games currently take place behind closed doors.
Prior to the meeting, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley had called on the Premier League to urgently review its current pay-per-view arrangements, which Sky Sports and BT Sport deliver at cost price, with the majority of revenue going back into Premier League clubs.
Many supporters have chosen not to pay to watch the extra matches, with some opting to give the money to charity instead.
Ashley had suggested the price for games be reduced with the Government removing the VAT for supporters who purchase matches in the final months of 2020 and with more of the revenue distributed to the Football League.
But a final decision on the future of PPV matches and how much will be charged to watch them in future is not now expected until after the next international break in mid-November.
"Why not make it much more accessible at £4.95 per match until Christmas?" Ashley said recently.
"The Government should waive VAT on the pay-per-view matches so that as many of those who are unable to attend matches in person can at least watch their team.
"The profit from the above reduced-price pay-per-view option, I would suggest that 50 per cent would be retained by the Premier League and 50 per cent would go to the football pyramid below.
"As a club, Newcastle United did vote in favour of the pay-per-view proposal, but to be clear, this was because there were no realistic or any viable alternatives put forward to enable supporters to watch matches."
Post-Brexit plans discussed
The ongoing question of how Brexit will affect the Premier League when the UK leaves the EU was also discussed at the meeting, in particular the process for allowing international players to compete in English football.
The Premier League, EFL and FA must reach agreement on a points-based quota system before putting their proposal to the Government, although the various parties are likely to have differing stances on the matter.
Premier League bosses will be hoping to find a way to continue to be able to attract as many top-class international players as possible in order for it to be the most competitive, attractive league in the world.
For their part, the FA will be keen to ensure homegrown talent is able to flourish in order to strengthen the England side.
The parties officially have until the end of October to reach an agreement, although it appears likely they may be offered more time to do so.
One hot topic which it is understood was not discussed on a busy agenda was the possible creation of a European Premier League.
Analysis from Sky Sports News reporter Rebecca Williams…
Former Manchester United player, Gary Neville said of pay per view on Monday Night Football: "It's finished, no one is paying for it. No one is watching it, it's done."
Pay-per-view was certainly the hot topic of conversation at the Premier League shareholders' meeting on Tuesday and although there won't be any immediate changes, fans will welcome a review which will, among other things, address the cost of games.
Supporters have been critical of the £14.95 charge, with many boycotting matches and instead donating money to charity.
The idea is that the review will outline plans that will be introduced after the international break, which is still three weeks away.
Broadcasters are putting on the matches, which wouldn't ordinarily have been available, before covid times, at cost price. The majority of revenue goes to Premier League clubs, who have lost profits as a result of fans not being allowed back into stadiums.
It's understood proposals were due to be discussed about the money going to struggling League One and Two clubs, many of whom are concerned they won't survive the season without a bailout or supporters at their grounds. But those plans were scrapped following the Project Big Picture fall-out.
