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.
Signatures
6
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000
- 10 FEB 2026Petition rejectedirrelevant
Decisions about when to hold and broadcast football matches are a matter for the FA, the Premier League and the Football League, and broadcasters, not the Government or House of Commons.
- 18 JAN 2026Petition created
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The 3 pm Saturday football blackout is outdated and largely ineffective in the modern era.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.