We have previously been delighted to hear that all premier League matches were to be televised, enabling fans to watch their teams legally during the current crisis. However, you will be aware of the recent announcement that a cost of £14.95 is to be introduced to watch games that are not shown on Sky Sports or BT Sport.
Quite simply, the price of £14.95 is too high; much too high. We accept it is less than a normal match-day ticket but it is not a like for like comparison. Watching the match on TV cannot be likened to the experience of watching the match in the stadium.
Many thousands of people in this country have been severely financially impacted over the last few months. It is predicted that the country will go into a huge recession, with millions losing their livelihoods and many more on reduced income. People are worried, and rightly so.
The Premier League Clubs have a moral duty to their fans to make football as affordable as possible during this crisis. It must also consider that fans of clubs less likely to feature on Sky Sports or BT Sport would, under the current proposal, have to pay more to watch their team than fans of (for example) Liverpool or Manchester United.
This proposal may encourage people to use illegal ’streams’ from which the Premier League derives no income. At a time when we are being encouraged to isolate as much as possible, the cost is also likely to encourage fans to gather in houses with friends to allow them to rotate the cost.
Our understanding is that 19 of the 20 Premier League clubs voted for this proposal. Leicester City voting against; and good for them. Clubs are meeting supporters groups to discuss ‘the return to football’ but PPV simply wasn’t discussed. Hammers United, or indeed any other West Ham fans groups, were not asked by West Ham United if they supported the club’s decision to vote in favour.
Who decided on the price of £14.95?. Where will the money go? Will any of it be passed on to the lower leagues? Why did the Premier League not discuss with the Football Supporters’ Association who could have canvassed its affiliated fans groups?
The Premier League needs to talk openly and honestly with the fans, re-look at its proposal, think it through properly, and come up with a more realistic one.
It is not too late to reconsider.
