Premier League Drops Opposition to Broadcasting During Traditional 3pm Blackout After Government Pressure
By Ben Carter
The Premier League have dropped their opposition to broadcasting matches at 3pm on Saturday, as Project Restart edges closer to becoming a reality.
The league had initially been opposed to broadcasting during the traditional blackout hours, even if those games had to be played behind closed doors, despite the fact the blackout rule was lifted last month.
But The Times reports the Premier League have made a U-turn over their initial stance following pressure from the government, who want some games to be shown free to air.
Talks are ongoing over what the best course of action will be to show at least some Premier League games for free, away from the subscription-based services of Sky and BT.
There will be a meeting on Thursday to discus this matter further and Premier League clubs will be kept up to date with developments.
There have also been discussions over how the Premier League can maximise their audience, and The Times confirm a decision has already been made to not show games simultaneously.
The Premier League's Project Restart, which hopes for football to get back underway next month, is still on track but a handful of top-flight players have continued to contract coronavirus as clubs begin returning to training.
Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is the latest player to confirm he tested positive during the second round of testing across all Premier League clubs.
"It’s definitely a shock - I’ve not been in contact with anybody and I’ve now got it," Ramsdale said. "I’m showing no symptoms so the fact that a healthy young person could potentially have it is definitely scary and worrying.
"It’s obviously not great that I’ve got it but it’s good that I’m showing no symptoms. It’s one of those things that has unfortunately happened and happened to me."