Submitted on Sunday 18th January 2026
Rejected on Tuesday 10th February 2026
Current status: Rejected
Rejection code: irrelevant (see below for details)
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.
The 3 pm Saturday football blackout is outdated and largely ineffective in the modern era.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.
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The Government e-Petitions Team gave the following reason:
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.
216.73.217.50 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:05:29 +0100
