Rejected petition 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.

More details

The 3 pm Saturday football blackout is outdated and largely ineffective in the modern era.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.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

It’s about something that the UK Government or Parliament is not directly responsible for.

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.

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 18 January 2026
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