The EFL will hold talks with clubs before making a decision on whether to scrap the 3pm blackout rule, according to reports.
i writes the topic will be raised at the annual AGM meeting in June whether to completely get rid of or change the rules behind the blackout ban which has been in force since the 1960s.
It was initially brought in to stop dwindling attendances so clubs could benefit from the revenue generated by ticket sales. However, it is understood the iFollow service could now be used an extra source of income with the rise of streaming possbilities.
It is argued that it could reduce ticket sales and therefore have a negative impact on the atmosphere inside stadiums An EFL spokesperson said: "The issues around the 3pm blackout will be discussed again in the summer and we wouldn’t rule anything out at this stage. All options would be on the table for the clubs to discuss.”
Two options are likely to be on the table including allowing clubs to decide among themselves whether to show their Saturday 3pm game. The EFL are believed to be in favour of this option as it offers more flexibility in allowing reluctant clubs to pull out.
A second possibility would be to distribute the money made from the first 500 iFollow passes sold to the away team to the home side to "mitigate any impact on away ticket sales." It was the same process that was implemented during lockdown when supporters were unable to attend matches.
There is also a view that revenue could be made by live screening matches inside their own stadiums.
EFL chairman Rick Parry has refused to rule out scrapping the rule and admitted new technologies and broadcasters means they have to remain open-minded. He said in October: "I don’t see (an end to the blackout) as being essential.
"Having said that, I don’t necessarily rule it out. We are almost unique in Europe now in having a blackout period. I’m not presuming that it goes, but equally, if we’re looking at streaming, at new technologies and new broadcasters, we will probably have to be open-minded in terms of scheduling."
The EFL would need to apply to UEFA to change the rule which currently prevents any matches being shown live between the hours of 2:45pm and 5:15pm. Any changes to the rules aren't likely to take place until the beginning of the 2023/24 season.
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