THE Premier League has been ordered to show some matches on TV and YouTube for free when the season restarts.
Top-flight English teams look set to resume business in June despite the rest of the country still being under a partial lockdown due the coronavirus crisis.
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The Premier League has been told to air some games for free when it returnsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Matches will be held behind closed doors, meaning fans will not be able to watch their teams live in action at stadiums.
As a result, the government has demanded some Premier League matches are made available for free so all supporters cooped up at home can enjoy some normality again.
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The government is opening the doors for competitive football to return safely in June.
“This should include widening access for fans to view live coverage and ensure finances from the game’s resumption supports the wider football family.
“It is now up to the football authorities to agree and finalise the detail of their plans, and there is combined goodwill to achieve this for their fans, the football community and the nation as a whole.
“The government and our medical experts will continue to offer guidance and support to the game ahead of any final decision which would put these plans into action.”
Live Premier League games are currently shown on Sky Sports and BT Sport.
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League chiefs are now in talks with them as they look to get some matches allotted for viewing on free TV channels and streaming services including YouTube.
The news comes as League Two clubs decided to end their season after a ring-round on Friday.
All 24 teams unanimously decided to call time on the campaign.
Crewe, Swindon and Plymouth are promoted to League One.
Exeter City, Cheltenham Town, Colchester United and Northampton Town will battle it out for the fourth promotion spot.
But the issue of relegation is yet to be decided, with Macclesfield still in danger of the drop as they face a possible points deduction for failing to pay wages, pushing them below Stevenage.
Simon Jordan outlines his plan for a fairer future for the Premier League and EFL
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
