Premier League clubs voted 19-1 in favour of the new plans
The Premier League’s plan to charge supporters £14.95 to watch games not screened by Sky Sports and BT Sport has been met with a wave of criticism.
Many supporters have voiced their concern, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also condemning the move in a tweet sent shortly after the plans emerged on Friday afternoon.
This is a really bad move by the @premierleague to charge £14.95 for single matches that have been shown free for 6 months !
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) October 9, 2020
Despite spending a combined total of £1.24bn in the recent transfer window, it’s now emerged that the vast majority of Premier League clubs backed the proposals to charge fans for additional PPV games – on top of the money they already pay for sports package TV subscriptions.
Of the 20 clubs, only one – Leicester City – voted against the idea at a meeting held on Friday.
Understand #lcfc were the only club to vote against pay-per-view at today's Premier League meeting. Result was apparently 19-1. A lone voice of reason ….
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) October 9, 2020
A statement confirming the Premier League’s plans said: ‘Clubs today agreed this interim solution to enable all fans to continue to watch their teams live.
‘The Premier League has worked closely with Sky Sports and BT Sport to provide this arrangement and is grateful for their support.
‘This agreement will be regularly reviewed in consultation with clubs and in line with any decisions made by Government regarding the return of spectators to stadiums.
‘Football is not the same without supporters at matches. The Premier League and our clubs remain committed to the safe return of fans as soon as possible.’
Other reports have claimed Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward also voiced his concerns at the proposals, suggesting season ticket holders should be allowed to watch additional games free of charge.
