EFL holding key meeting that could change traditions for Bristol City & Bristol Rovers fans

English Football League clubs are meeting today to discuss whether to overhaul the broadcast blackout for traditional Saturday kick-offs which could affect Bristol City and Bristol Rovers.

Most matches in the EFL are played on a Saturday at 15.00 GMT as that is the day when most fans are available if working a Monday to Friday nine to five job.

Games at that time however are not allowed to be broadcast or streamed in the United Kingdom, owing to a rule introduced in the 1960s after chairmen believed it would affect the attendances of lower league clubs.

It also relates to a ruling from UEFA which asks its member associations for a blackout for broadcasting whilst other countries have different arrangements such as lower leagues playing on different days.

A report from iNews claims that all 72 member clubs are meeting today and tomorrow to discuss changes to the broadcasting arrangements and that there is ‘an appetite for change’ from some clubs.

It is mainly League One club and League Two clubs that are leading the charge as it could open ‘additional’ revenue streams to them.

Further on in the report it adds that any new TV deal for the EFL could be just for the Championship whilst third and fourth tier clubs would be able to dictate what they do with their games.

Second tier matches are mainly shown on Sky Sports whilst League One and Two clubs are rarely shown on the league’s main broadcaster unless it is an international break or the play-offs.

Despite clubs outside of the Championship rarely featuring as picks for television coverage they are at least guaranteed money at the start of each season which is why some plans could be met with opposition.

No major decision is set to be made this week but it is a step towards clubs taking broadcasting into their own hands given the rise of Amazon Prime and their Premier League coverage.

Any major changes may not be implemented until the summer of 2024 which is when the league’s current deal with Sky Sports comes to an end.

During the COVID-19 pandemic where fans weren’t allowed to attend matches the rules were relaxed. Fans mainly bought iFollow passes for their respective clubs on a match-by-match basis or were given a season pass if they had purchased a season ticket.

Matches have also been streamed at that time during the international break with a few Bristol Rovers matches from last season being available for streaming. Bristol City play in the Championship which means fans there weren’t given an opportunity.

Fans are able to watch midweek matches or those played outside of Saturday on iFollow or the clubs relevant streaming service, such as Robins TV.

As well as a meeting about the current broadcasting deal, clubs will also discuss how to combat the behaviour of supporters after a spate of pitch invasions last season. Both clubs from Bristol had pitch invasions last year with Rovers’ last three matches all having fans entering the field of play. City’s fans meanwhile went on to the pitch after their final home game of the season against Hull City.