Premier League set to ditch controversial pay-per-view model
It is understood the league is most likely to revert to the model which was in place at the start of the current season, where all matches were screened by one of the competition's broadcast partners
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The Premier League's controversial pay-per-view model is likely to be ditched after this weekend's matches.
It is understood the league is most likely to revert to the model which was in place at the start of the current season, where all matches were screened by one of the competition's broadcast partners.
Further discussions must still take place with broadcast partners before plans can be confirmed, and pay-per-view is therefore not completely off the table.
The pay-per-view model was introduced for the games which followed the October international break, with fans needing to pay £14.95 to watch matches not selected for regular television broadcast in the UK.
The move drew immediate criticism from supporters who in many cases opted to give the money to charitable causes such as food banks instead.
It is understood any change would take effect from the round of matches on 21 November, with a review of arrangements set to take place in mid-January.
The Premier League's chief executive Richard Masters said last month the £14.95 price was "defensible", while BT also defended it, saying it was only covering its costs in screening the matches.
The pay-per-view model came in at a time when the October 1 return of fans had been indefinitely delayed but when the English professional game continued to lobby Government to allow them back in.
The country faces different circumstances now, with a new national lockdown in place from Thursday until at least 2 December.
PA
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