The traditional Saturday 3pm TV blackout looks set to continue for the foreseeable future in the Premier League.

England, Montenegro and Scotland are the only three UEFA countries who adhere to Article 48. 

This allows members to impose a two-and-a-half hour slot where live coverage is not allowed.

This follows the traditional mindset of blocking broadcasters from showing matches at the usual kick-off time for football on a Saturday to encourage fans to attend matches in person.

It would appear that the English Football League are ready to get rid of the long-standing rule when their TV rights changes for the 2024/25 season.

However, the Premier League will not be following suit, with chief executive Richard Masters stating that he doesn't see the rule changing any time soon.

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He told the media: "We’ve been proponents of Article 48 for the entire period of the Premier League and I don’t see that changing in the near term."

SPFL chief Neil Doncaster previously stated he is keen for the existing rule of live matches in British football not being aired between 2.45pm and 5.15pm to remain in place.

Doncaster said: “Some games will be an exception where they will be a sell-out whether it is on TV or not, but broadly speaking. So, there is undoubtedly in the UK – and it may be different in some other countries - but undoubtedly in the UK there is a cannibalisation effect when you take a game from non-live to live on TV.

“So, there is a balance to be struck, and my belief is that the right balance has been struck. That appears to be a view that’s echoed by the vast majority of clubs.”

The Herald:

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