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      English football set for biggest shake up since 1960s with end to ‘medieval’ rules if DAZN win TV rights to matches

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      ALL 1,652 EFL matches will be screened if streaming giant DAZN wins the rights to matches from the 2024-25 season.The huge change would see the end of the “medieval” Saturday 3pm TV blackout that has been in operation since the mid-60s.
      DAZN will show all EFL matches if the company wins the rights to the gamesCredit: DAZN
      Only 20 League One matches are shown on TV each seasonCredit: PA
      Chief Executive of the Premier League Richard Masters does not see an end to the Saturday blackoutCredit: Getty
      DAZN are among the bidders for the next three-season package of EFL rights, with competitors including Sky, Viaplay and TNT Sports, the new name for what was BT Sport until the takeover by Discovery.
      EFL bosses are looking to increase the current package, worth £119m per season, to £200m plus, a huge potential financial lifeline for struggling clubs.
      But the DAZN option would see a huge increase in the number of games available including the traditional Saturday afternoon slot, currently protected from broadcasting by Article 48 of Uefa Statutes.
      DAZN argues that under the current system, with matches on Sky, lower division fans are being starved of the chance to watch their teams unless they go to the matches.
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      Only 20 games League One are shown each season, 10 in League Two and last season 26 of the 72 EFL clubs did not feature at all.
      Sources close to DAZN, which boasts 20 million “premium” customers but a footprint across most major nations, suggest the existence of the blackout is a “medieval” anachronism which should no longer be part of the football structure in this country.

      The blackout was introduced, at the instigation of then-Burnley chairman Bob Lord more than 50 years ago, in the belief that it would prevent TV football damaging attendances at other matches.
      Prem chief executive Richard Masters declared earlier this month that he “didn’t see” the league’s backing for the blackout ending any time soon.
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      But EFL chiefs will have the right to lobby the FA to end the restriction if they do a deal with DAZN.
      It is understood that DAZN feels a streaming deal covering all games across the three EFL divisions – the company would also be seeing a terrestrial partner – would widen access to fans, not just in this country but worldwide.
      The company is understood to be confident that there would be no detrimental impact on crowds and that by making the EFL games more widely available it would actually increase interest in match-day attendance. More

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      Gabby Agbonlahor slams TV companies for amount of subscriptions needed to watch football after missing match

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      GABBY AGBONLAHOR has hit out at the number of subscriptions fans need to watch football.The former Aston Villa star ranted about TV companies after he was unable to watch Scotland’s 2-0 win over Spain.
      Gabby Agbonlahor has slammed TV companies for the amount of subscriptions needed to watch footballCredit: Twitter / @talkSPORT
      The rant came after he was not able to watch Scotland’s win over SpainCredit: AP
      Manchester United star Scott McTominay netted a brace against the Spanish to give his side a famous win.
      However many were unable to watch the game as it was broadcast on Viaplay, which costs £14.99 a month or £11.99 a month if paid for on a 12-month contract.
      And Agbonlahor was left fuming with this as he went on to moan about the number of subscriptions that are needed in order for fans to tune into games.
      He told talkSPORT: “It was a massive result.
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      “But I didn’t get to watch the game as there are so many channels now, that football is on.
      “You’ve got Viaplay £15, BT Sport £30, Sky Sports £24, Amazon £9.
      “I can’t keep up, I went to put it on and I am like ‘I am not signing up to this channel’.”
      And many fans agreed with the former England international as one commented: “Will only get worse at the end of the next TV rights contracts when the likes of Dazn and Disney and possibly Netflix get involved.”
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      A second wrote: “I’ve never agreed with Gabby more, never even bloody heard of Viaplay until last night.”
      A third said: “Finally, a pundit addressing what most of the football-loving public have a grievance about.”
      A fourth tweeted: “It’s ridiculous to need some sort of regulation on this over a £100 month to watch football.”
      While a fifth added: “Don’t always agree with Gabby but he’s spot on here, the good old days were when footy was on normal telly, and they wonder why people don’t pay.” More

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      Broadcast of crucial England tournament could be CANCELLED after 16 years as Sky Sports look to cut costs

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      THE Under-21 Euros this summer may not be televised in the UK, reports claim.That means England Under-21s fans face not being able to watch Lee Carsley’s side in action in Romania and Georgia.
      England Under-21s’ Euros campaign might not be on TV in the UKCredit: Getty
      The tournament gets underway on June 21.
      But UEFA are yet to strike a deal with a UK broadcaster, according to the Daily Mail.
      Sky Sports have shown the Under21 Euros for the last 16 years, broadcasting every tournament since 2007.
      However, they are yet to bid for this summer’s event.
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      Sky have cut spending in the last year, which has resulted in reduced coverage of international football.
      Channel 4 won the rights to broadcast Gareth Southgate’s senior side in qualifying action for Euro 2024 after Sky chose not to bid.
      Although the Mail claim there is currently a “stand-off” between UEFA and terrestrial broadcasters, who are reluctant to air an Under-21 tournament on their main channels.
      Today’s friendly against France and Tuesday’s clash with Croatia will both be shown on BBC iPlayer, in line with the qualifying matches.
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      But the Mail say UEFA want guarantees of bigger audiences for when the tournament kicks off in June.
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      Carsley and Co kick off their campaign on June 22 against Czech Republic.
      A meeting with Israel follows three days later, before a potentially crunch clash against reigning champions Germany to round off the group stages.
      Carsley is reportedly set to consider his future as boss after the tournament.
      And the trio of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Scott Parker would all be in the frame to replace Carsley if he does leave. More

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      Soccer AM hosts break silence on first show after axe with bizarre ‘elephant in the room’ joke and take swipe at bosses

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      SOCCER AM hosts have broken their silence on the show being axed with a bizarre joke and swipe at bosses. It was announced On Wednesday that the much-loved show will be cancelled at the end of the season after nearly 30 years on air.
      John Fendley and Jimmy Bullard addressed Soccer AM getting cancelled by Sky SportsCredit: @SoccerAm
      Soccer AM joked about the ‘elephant in the room’Credit: @SoccerAM
      In their first broadcast after the shock news, presenters John Fendley and Jimmy Bullard made fun of the situation.
      Fendley joked: “Before we go any further, we are going to address the elephant in the room… Oi Dumbo.”
      The camera then panned to a man wearing a large mask of an elephant’s head.
      The hosts asked him to get them cups of tea, only for the order to be forgotten, which prompted Fendley to laugh “elephant’s are not supposed to forget.”
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      Bullard said: “He ain’t going to last long.”
      Fendley replied in a dig at Sky Sports bosses: “I know the feeling.”
      Staff were told on Tuesday that the programme will be scrapped and that they will be made redundant after the last episode airs on Saturday 27 May.
      Bullard and Fendley are supposedly “fuming” and the news came as a “complete bombshell”.
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      As this morning’s episode came to a close, Soccer AM has just nine episodes left on TV screens.
      The talk show first aired in 1995 and quickly grew in popularity, becoming a must-watch Saturday morning show for all fans.
      It featured interviews with celebrity guests, comedy skits and challenges for a number of supporters joining them in the studio.
      Soccer AM was previously hosted by Tim Lovejoy and Helen Chamberlain.
      Lovejoy now presents Sunday Brunch on Channel 4 while Chamberlain rescues animals on her farm.
      Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy were the original presenters on Soccer AMCredit: Rex
      A host of celebrity stars have appeared on the show
      Tubes became a huge hit with viewers over the years with his funny interviews More

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      Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling ‘shocked’ at Sky Sports shake-up with pal facing axe after he reversed retirement

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      JEFF STELLING is “shocked” Sky Sports are considering axeing long-time colleague Geoff Shreeves amid a major shake-up, reports claim.SunSport exclusively revealed the position of top touchline reporter Shreeves is under threat after 31 YEARS.
      Jeff Stelling is said to be disappointed to hear Geoff Shreeves position could be in danger as Sky Sports ponder big changesCredit: Sky Sports
      Shreeves has been with Sky Sports since the start of the Premier League in 1992Credit: Getty
      And having U-turned on his own decision to retire, Soccer Saturday host Stelling is reportedly upset at the broadcaster pondering changes that might leave 13 reporters reapplying for their jobs.
      The Times say the 68-year-old was not consulted about Sky’s proposals and has told friends he is saddened to hear staff could be under threat.
      The Sun also revealed how the Soccer AM show could be dropped after 28 years, with its possible final whistle coming on May 27.
      But Sky are also said to be considering a wider restructuring.
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      This might include 13 staff members applying for 12 posts –  seven match reporter roles and five positions as “content creator” posts.
      It’s understood Sky Sports news reporters will NOT be affected by any changes.
      But it’s question marks over the future of Shreeves that will surprise many.
      The 58-year-old has been an ever-present at Sky since the Premier League launched in 1992.
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      A Sky Spokesperson said: “Our coverage of football is evolving to reflect the changing habits of our viewers and ensures we continue to deliver the best experience for customers.
      “Our proposal would mean the creation of new roles, and the closing of some existing roles, and we are currently in a consultation period with our people.” More

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      Sky Sports legend under threat of AXE as major cull continues after Soccer AM is cancelled

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      SKY SPORTS legend Geoff Shreeves is under threat of being axed by the broadcaster.Shreeves has been an ever-present figure at Sky Sports since joining in 1992.
      Geoff Shreeves is under threat of the axe at Sky SportsCredit: Getty
      However, SunSport understands that Sky bosses are now considering Shreeves’ position.
      A Sky Spokesperson said: “Our coverage of football is evolving to reflect the changing habits of our viewers and ensures we continue to deliver the best experience for customers.
      “Our proposal would mean the creation of new roles, and the closing of some existing roles, and we are currently in a consultation period with our people.”
      The news comes after we revealed how Sky are to set axe iconic football show Soccer AM.
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      The Saturday-morning staple etched its place into British TV history across it’s 30 year runtime.
      And it is now the final countdown for the show as Sky bosses prepare to axe it at the end of the season.
      The final show of Soccer AM is set to air on Saturday May 27.
      Staff were informed of the decision on Tuesday.
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      However, the news has not gone down well, with current hosts John Fendley and Jimmy Bullard said to be “fuming”.
      Regarding the news, a source told The Sun: “It was a complete bombshell.
      “Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
      “It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
      In addition, the Daily Mail claims that Sky’s football reporters have all been told to reapply for their jobs, with some of the “longest-serving and most popular reporters who provide live updates for Soccer Saturday” at risk.
      Sky made a host of cuts to big name staff following the Covid pandemic.

      Long-serving studio analysts Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier were axed in 2020 as Sky looked to go in a new direction.
      This led to presenter Jeff Stelling announcing his intention to leave at the end of the 2022 season, before reversing the decision later on. More

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      Sky Sports and BT Sport face LOSING Premier League TV rights as streaming giants consider bid

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      APPLE are ready to make a move for Premier League TV rights when bidding for the next packages begin, according to reports.Their interest could provide a huge threat to Sky Sports’ and BT Sport’s Prem deals.
      The next Prem TV deal will start in 2025Credit: Getty
      Apple TV have already dipped their toe into the football market.
      They produced a four-part original documentary about the Super League, which released earlier this year.
      While they have also begun a ten-year contract to broadcast MLS globally worth a staggering £200million-a-season.
      The current rights packages owned by Sky Sports, BT Sport and Amazon Prime Video will expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.
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      SunSports understands the bidding process will begin towards the end of this year.
      And the new rights will take effect during the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
      Sky Sports show around 140 Prem matches per season, with BT Sport owning rights to 50 and Amazon Prime Video broadcasting two complete game weeks, including the Boxing Day fixtures.
      American owners of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea’s Todd Boehly, believe that the £5.1bn over three years earned for global TV rights is less than market value.
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      Last year Boehly admitted that he hopes the Prem can “learn from US sports” when it comes to earning more revenue – even introducing the idea of an All-Star game, like those seen across the pond.
      He said: “Ultimately I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson from American sports.
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      “And really starts to figure out, why don’t we do a tournament with the bottom four sports teams, why isn’t there an All-Star game?
      “People are talking about more money for the pyramid; in the MLB All-Star game this year we made $200m (£160m) from a Monday and a Tuesday.
      “So we’re thinking we could do a North versus South All-Star game for the Premier League, for whatever the pyramid needed quite easily.”
      Sky Sports have owned the bulk of Prem TV rights since the league’s launch in 1992 – but now find their dominance under severe threat.
      They have revolutionised coverage in the UK, becoming a huge part of households around the country.
      BT Sport, meanwhile, will be renamed TNT Sports following a merger with Warner Bros Discovery [WBD].
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      Managing director of WBD Sports Europe, Andrew Georgiou, said: “On the next rights auction this is a premium service and our intention is to remain a premium service.
      “Our approach to any rights auction is to make sure we maintain that position in the market.”
      Todd Boehly suggested a Prem All-Star gameCredit: Alamy More

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      Chris Kamara breaks silence after Soccer AM is AXED by Sky as he takes fans on trip down memory lane

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      CHRIS KAMARA took fans on a trip down memory lane after hearing that Soccer AM had been axed this morning.The Sun revealed that the cult Sky Sports show had been cancelled and would finish for good at the end of the season.
      Chris Kamara is a favourite on Sky SportsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Soccer AM has been axed by Sky Sports
      With just ten episodes remaining before its final show on May 27, fans are set to be filled with nostalgia.
      And Kammy has shared his happy memories of being part of the show, posting a funny clip to his Twitter page.
      Alongside it, he wrote: “Just heard that @SoccerAM is finishing at the end of the season.
      “I had 14 years of going through Premier League & @EFL clubs dressing rooms.
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      “Training with Clubs for features & basically having a laugh 😂 Fun part of my time at Sky 🤣”
      In the video, Kammy can be seen appearing in a skit alongside fellow Soccer AM favourite Tubes.
      Kamara, 65, can be seen riding a kid’s bike while wearing a long blonde wig and a pink bike helmet.
      Miming along to We Built This City by Starship, Tubes also features in the vid.
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      The skit finishes with the message: “We all need silly stuff.”
      Soccer AM staff were told on Tuesday that the programme’s run would be coming to an end.
      And they were also informed that they would be made redundant upon its conclusion.
      A source told The Sun: “It was a complete bombshell.
      “Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
      “It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
      Soccer AM enjoyed great success with previous presenters Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy – with Max Rushden and Andy Goldstein having also hosted the show.
      It is currently presented by John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard.
      Both hosts are understood to be “fuming” upon today’s news.
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      A Sky Spokesperson says “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
      “We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
      Soccer AM was previously hosted by Tim Lovejoy and Helen ChamberlainCredit: Rex Features More