Posted on 7th September 2018
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
Following reports that the EFL will allow its clubs to break the 3pm blackout convention this weekend by broadcasting games to UK audiences via its iFollow service, the FSF has issued the following statement:
“The Saturday 3pm blackout is part of the tradition of English football and maintaining that is crucial to the economic survival of many clubs lower down the football pyramid.
“Almost eight and a half thousand fans completed the FSF’s National Supporters Survey in the summer of 2017 with 72.7% voting in favour of the 3pm blackout.
“Supporters largely back the blackout as they see it as a tool to protect lower league clubs. It’s disappointing to see the 3pm blackout undermined by iFollow streaming for this weekend’s 3pm kick-offs.
“This has been implemented without any consultation with supporters and the FSF will be raising the issue with the EFL directly.”
Last month the FA announced that the Community Shield would be taking place on a Sunday at 5.30pm, a difficult time for Manchester City fans hoping to get down to the game and back in time for work the next day. After a backlash that was revised to 4pm but Manchester City fans are calling for it to be moved to 3pm.
The EFL plans to make all matches from 2024-25 available for broadcast and streaming – which could see an end to the Saturday 3pm “blackout” in its competitions.
We’ve featured goals from the top of the game to the grassroots and this week it’s the latter with Sunday League side Chells Rovers grabbing a ridiculous late winner. Hat-tip to ICYMI GOAT James Dart.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has once again outlined its opposition to UEFA future plans for European competition, with a statement co-signed by groups representing millions of matchgoing fans across the continent.
