Arsenal’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain will not be broadcast free-to-air, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer releases message to TNT Sports
Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Getty Images)
Sir Keir Starmer has written to TNT Sports asking the Champions League broadcaster to broadcast the final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain for free.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that for the first time in 34 years, viewers will need to be a paid member to watch the final. The British Prime Minister, who is also an Arsenal fan, has written an open letter to TNT Sports urging them to allow fans to watch the games for free.
“The Champions League is the world’s biggest club football competition and understandably means a lot to fans in this country, the home of football,” he said in an open letter.
“I strongly believe that the final of this competition should remain free to watch, whether Arsenal advance or not.
read more: TNT makes unprecedented Champions League final decision, UEFA furiousread more: Arsenal loser to be called up to England squad 24 hours after manager Thomas Tuchel names him in his squad
“Of course, we want as many fans as possible to watch our team in our historic finals for the first time in 20 years, but it’s bigger than that.
“It’s about supporters of all teams coming together in living rooms and pubs in every corner of the country to watch Europe’s most elite players compete.
Follow the Arsenal FB page! For the latest Gunners news and details, visit our dedicated Facebook page.
“Hardworking people don’t have to worry about taking out a subscription to watch a game of this magnitude.
“We must put our supporters first, which is why I have already encouraged FIFA to do more to make tickets to this summer’s World Cup more affordable.”
“That is also why I would urge us to reconsider and ensure that the millions of passionate football fans in this country can watch next Saturday’s final for free.”
Aston Villa fans were forced to pay to watch the Europa League final earlier this week.
Arsenal fans aren’t the only ones who have to pay at least £4.99 to watch Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in the other two European finals.
The former have already won the Europa League by beating Freiburg, and Palace will face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final next week.
TNT Sports faced considerable backlash over the decision, but their defense of the change stems from the way Warner Bros.’ Discovery business, which employs 4,000 staff in the UK, is run.
From 2027, Paramount and Sky will take over, and they will also lose qualification to UEFA’s three club competitions.
A spokesperson for TNT Sports said: “We are proud to be able to bring UEFA club competitions to sports fans across the UK throughout the season. Having three Premier League clubs reach the finals shows the strength of English football and we are proud to continue to support them.”
“We’ve made all three of this year’s UEFA finals available to watch from just £4.99, the price of a one-month subscription to HBO Max, which also includes the service’s great entertainment, making it great value for fans to watch the competition conclude.”
