Keir Starmer has sent a letter to TNT sports requesting that the Champions League final be aired for free. The broadcaster’s decision to charge viewers for all three European finals has caused frustration among UEFA officials as English clubs vie for multiple titles.
This year marks the first time in 34 years that UK audiences will not have free access to the Champions League final, a change that Starmer criticized in a letter. Emphasizing the significance of the competition to football fans in the country, he stated that the final should be accessible to all, regardless of the teams involved.
Previously, ITV held exclusive broadcasting rights for Champions League finals from 1992 to 2003, followed by joint rights with Sky Sports until 2015. BT Sport then took over UEFA rights from the 2015/16 season, offering free streams on YouTube. Since TNT Sports rebranded the channel, access has been tied to subscription services.
In the upcoming final on May 30 in Budapest, Arsenal will challenge defending champions Paris Saint-Germain for their first Champions League title. Meanwhile, Aston Villa recently triumphed in the Europa League, and Crystal Palace will contend for their first European trophy in the Conference League final next week.
A spokesperson from TNT Sports highlighted the privilege of showcasing UEFA club competitions in the UK this season, with special mention of the success of Premier League clubs in the finals. The channel has made all three UEFA finals available for as low as £4.99, offering fans a cost-effective way to enjoy the concluding matches along with other entertainment on HBO Max.
