One of the biggest sources of complaints to the FSA’s public inbox is the total disregard the leagues and broadcasters have for match-going fans when scheduling games.

In the latest TV package, more than half of the Premier League’s 380 games are moved from the traditional Saturday afternoon slot for TV broadcast. 

Similarly, Sky Sports’ five-year deal with the EFL sees 138 games moved for broadcast, with the option to increase that to 158 in the final two years of the contract.

This all adds up to a boatload of inconvenience for fans trying to plan their travel to games – more time off work, bookings cancelled, deposits lost, and travel during unsociable hours.

TV rules

Fans increasingly feel like TV has an undue influence over the fixture schedule. Particularly as TV selections aren’t released in a timely manner allowing fans to book their travel and accommodation. 

With neither clubs, the Premier League or broadcasters stepping up to take responsibility for the delays, the FSA has been pushing the powers-that-be for answers. Sadly, major decisions around TV picks happen behind closed doors with little-to-no input from supporters.

Previously, the FSA and supporter representatives from across the Premier League met with its chief executive Richard Masters to discuss issues impacting fans – and the TV picks were a hot topic.

Masters apologised to supporter reps for the delay to TV selections and said the league would be working harder to make sure they would be released quicker in future. Spoiler: that hasn’t happened.

In meetings with fans, Masters also promised greater communication with supporters if delays to the announcements were likely, but supporters have been left pretty much in the dark as to which fixtures cause delays and exactly why. It’s a sorry story that has gone on for years.

Women’s Game

From the 2025-26 season onwards almost every game in the Women’s Super League (WSL) will be broadcast live following an agreement between Sky Sports and the BBC which sees the two sharing broadcast rights in the women’s game.

Sky Sports have been given up to 118 live WSL matches per season as part of the deal with the BBC showing 21 games. Any matches not selected for traditional broadcast will be streamed on YouTube as part of the league’s new partnership with the video platform.

The deal is the first long-term broadcast deal secured by Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) since it took over the running of England’s top two leagues from the FA.

The chief executive of WPLL, Nikki Doucet, said: “Agreeing the next cycle of broadcast rights was a priority for us and we are very fortunate to have two premium broadcast partners in Sky and the BBC who believe in the future and value of women’s football as much as we do. The growth of the game is undeniable, and this deal is another step in the right direction and positive news for the fans, the players and the clubs.”

“Sky and the BBC are longtime backers and their contribution to the growth of the women’s game should not go without recognition. They provide excellent visibility coupled with first-class production values and we look forward to building on our partnership over the coming years.”

More eyeballs are welcome but can those TV viewers be converted into matchgoing fans? What is the balance to be struck between maximising broadcast deals but ensuring match-going fans don’t pay the price for that?

While investment is critical, supporters’ groups are well aware of the challenges it brings. As we know from the men’s game, once clubs get a taste of TV money, the needs of broadcasters are all-too-often put before those of matchgoing supporters. We don’t want to see the women’s game repeat the same mistakes.

What does the FSA think?

We believe there should be a 12-week minimum notice period for league games so that fans can book time off work and have the best access to affordable rail tickets or other public transport options.

The football industry should revive talks with rail operating companies to introduce flexible football tickets which are tied to fixtures, rather than specific dates, meaning fans can book affordable travel in advance, with peace of mind.

Late changes to kick-off times also means more fans travelling via cars, as public transport might not be available, which undermines aims to reduce the game’s environmental impact.

• Contact:Thomas Concannon