Premier League scrap controversial pay-per-view scheme

PPV is scrapped with immediate effect

The Premier League has scrapped its pay-per-view scheme for the remainder of the calendar year after the initiative drew fierce criticism from supporters. All remaining matches in November and those played over the Christmas and New Year period will now be screened by existing broadcasters, with football fans no longer having to stump up £14.95 to watch games. The controversial fee - paid in addition to other subscriptions - was introduced last month, despite strong opposition from across the football world. Many fan groups felt it was unfair that supporters were being charged excessive amounts to watch games on television at a time when they are not permitted to attend games at stadiums. As a protest, many fans boycotted PPV games, instead donating the £15.00 it would have cost them to buy the service to food banks. The Premier League will now switch back to the model used prior to the introduction of PPV, where all games were available through either the Sky Sports, BT Sport, the BBC or Amazon Prime.

"There is a full schedule of Premier League games over the festive period and clubs are committed to an accessible solution for fans," a Premier League statement said.

"These plans have been made with the cooperation of our broadcast partners, working with us to deliver these additional matches while stadiums are missing the supporters who are such an integral part of the game.

"The agreement will be reviewed in the new year following consultation with clubs, broadcast partners and in line with any decisions made by government regarding the return of spectators to stadiums."