LONDON: The internet broadcaster Eleven Sports has defied a Football Association rule that prohibits the broadcasting of live soccer on Saturday afternoons in the UK, by showing live coverage of Barcelona’s match against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.
FA regulations state that matches on Saturdays between 2.45pm and 5.15pm cannot be broadcast live in the United Kingdom in order to protect match attendances in its domestic leagues.
However, Eleven Sports decided to broadcast the match live despite its 3.15pm kick-off.
The optional UEFA regulation is only currently enforced in England, Scotland and Montenegro, and has stood in the UK since the 1960s.
The broadcaster has previously voiced its opposition over the matter, releasing a statement on its website back in August after being forced to not broadcast the opening 15 minutes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut for Juventus, which fell within the blackout timeframe.
It read: ‘No other countries outside the UK and Montenegro apply this rule. We disagree with it and we will continue to challenge it with the best interests of our customers at heart.’
Meanwhile, Eleven Sports did abide by the rules with regards to Saturday’s Rome derby between Roma and Lazio – which started at 2pm – by showing the game ‘as live’ from 5.15pm.
The online streaming platform is set to show coverage of Udinese vs Juventus from the 15-minute mark due to the regulations next weekend.
Barcelona, meanwhile, were held to a 1-1 draw against opponents Bilbao, as they went a third league game without a win following their perfect start to the season.
READ MORE AT:
|
Eleven Sports defies UK blackout rule with Barcelona broadcast
Broadcaster provided live coverage of Saturday game despite FA rules…
|
|
|
|
MP & Silva fallout sees BeIN land SPFL broadcast deal
Qatari broadcaster to show Scottish soccer in Australia, New Zealand and MENA region….
|
|
|
|
Napoli make Nextbet first Asian partner
Betting company to use club branding to promote services…
|
|
|
Forest Green Rovers named world’s ‘greenest soccer club’
UN award for eco-friendly English fourth-tier outfit…
|
|
|
|
BeIN launches US$1bn suit against Saudi Arabia
Qatari network takes action over illicit state-sponsored sports content redistribution…
|
|
|
Danish FA ends dispute with players’ union
Row had seen futsal and amateur players represent country against Slovakia…
|
|
|
|
Interview with Portuguese legend and CEO of D20 Sports, Deco
In this week’s Soccerex Spotlight, we interview legendary Portuguese soccer player and CEO of D20 Sports, Deco.
|
|
|
|
Inter fans’ minds: Robert Faulkner on the digital revamp of an Italian soccer powerhouse
Inter Milan’s Chief Communications Officer Robert Faulkner explains how the Serie A giants are reinventing themselves to connect with their international fanbase.
|
|
|
|
Making a splash: Inside the Premier League’s Coca-Cola deal
Premier League Managing Director Richard Masters and Jon Woods, General Manager of Coca-Cola Great Britain, discuss what represents a landmark deal for both English soccer’s top flight and the soft drink giant.
|
|
|
 |
+44 208 742 7100 |
 |
114 Power Road, London W4 5PY |
 |
2017 SportsPro |
|
|
|
