PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
End the Saturday Football Blackout in the UK
Abolish the 3 pm blackout, allowing fans to watch live top-flight football legally at any time. Modernise broadcasting rules to reflect today’s digital, on-demand viewing habits. Protect both fans’ rights and the sustainability of football by encouraging legal, accessible ways to watch games.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
6
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000
Background
The 3 pm Saturday football blackout is outdated and largely ineffective in the modern era. Originally intended to protect lower-league match attendance, it now has limited impact and often drives fans to watch Premier League games via illegal streams. With digital platforms and on-demand services widely available, the blackout restricts fans unnecessarily and fails to achieve its original purpose, making it time for a modernised approach.