The major Premier League and EFL rule change that could massively impact Sunderland and Leeds United fans

There could be a major rule change coming to English football which will impact clubs like Sunderland, Leeds United and Middlesbrough and their rivals up and down the country.

The Daily Mail has claimed that the 3pm Saturday televised football blackout could be scrapped by the decade's end. The rule dates back to 1960 and means that clubs in the UK cannot broadcast live football during the traditional Saturday afternoon slot. It was introduced primarily to protect attendances.

However, The Mail’s report claims that “thanks largely to a slowing in precious TV revenues” the blackout could be scrapped when the next round of negotiations begin over the all-important television rights to Premier League and EFL games begin again.

It has been said that the blackout could end when to 2029-30 season kicks off after concerns were raised throughout the Premier League regarding the sums of money in the latest TV deal. There is reportedly a “growing belief” that the only way to maximise their revenues further would be to show more games on television.

The latest domestic agreement runs from 2025 to 2029 and was around £6.7bn, representing an annual figure of £1.675bn, which is less than the £1.713bn deal that was struck between 2016 and 2019. Indeed, there are changes coming next season to the Premier League, with every match not kicking off at 3pm set to be broadcast on television for the first time. The EFL’s new deal means that combined with the top flight, more than 1,000 live matches will be shown by Sky Sports.

Reports, however, have suggested that EFL bosses are concerned after seeing a drop off in the number of match-going fans showing up to midweek winter matches that have been shown on television. There has also been a fall in the amount of season tickets sold across the Football League, which has added weight to the argument that the 3pm blackout should remain.

The Mail adds, though, that the EFL considered scrapping the rule during the negotiations for the latest deal and could well re-think their decision to keep it. As things stand, the United Kingdom is the only country in Europe to impose the rule and many believe it to be outdated.

It is also likely that the television companies want to combat the use of illegal firesticks, which are often used by fans as a way around the 3pm blackout, though the rising cost of subscriptions by the likes of Sky Sports and TNT Sports is seen as the major factor behind the growing culture of football piracy.

Under the current rules, 50 per cent of matches in the top flight and Championship must be scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, resulting in every EFL match from the opening weekend being televised owing to the differing kick-off times. The blackout is approved by UEFA following an application from the FA, the Premier League and EFL, but its status is certainly one to watch going forward for fans of all clubs.