China will block coverage of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures with England’s biggest clubs set to demonstrate support for Ukraine. The Premier League has expressed its intention to show solidarity with Ukraine in various ways across the 10-match programme, starting with Leicester’s home clash against Leeds United in today's early kick-off.
The BBC first reported that Chinese rights holder iQIYI Sports had reacted by refusing to show the matches. And although the Premier League has declined to comment, it is understood that the blackout is due to go ahead.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told the Financial Times Business of Football Summit that the league’s Russian television deal with Rambler was “under review” and could be suspended or terminated soon. However, it is likely matches will be aired this weekend.