[quote_center]Ofcom understands that the scheduling of football games is important to many football fans, in particular attending 3pm kick-offs on Saturdays.[/quote_center]
One of the number one things that irks football supporters – the short-notice moving of fixture dates for TV – is going to get some investigation by Ofcom (the Independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries). It will be part of Ofcom’s investigation into how the Premier League sells broadcast rights for its matches.
Further good news is Ofcom have promised to include the Football Supporters’ Federation (which MOMS is affiliated to) in this process, especially when it comes to the scheduling of live matches.
Malcolm Clarke, chair of the Football Supporters’ Federation, made the following statement on the FSF site:
“We welcome Ofcom’s promise to consult the FSF. In turn we’ll be talking to our individual and affiliated members to gather their views.
“Premier League football might be a global phenomenon, but without fans in the stands, it wouldn’t have the same appeal. People want to see the world’s best players, but they also want to see stands packed to the rafters with fans. That vibrancy is a key part of the TV ‘product’.
“Ofcom also acknowledges the importance of Saturday 3pm kick-offs to fans. All-too-often TV’s needs come before match-going supporters as games are shunted around the calendar.
“This is especially difficult for away fans, and not just those in the top-flight. It’s a problem for supporters of clubs in the Football League, Conference, and beyond.”
MOMS very much welcomes this step, as it certainly is a key area of contention for fans. A prime example being Sky’s needless movement of the Southampton game which was originally slated for Saturday November 22nd, with 24 hours of the both the 140th anniversary of Aston Villa FC and the 40th anniversary of the victims of the Birmingham bombings.
How sensitive of Sky to move that game to a Monday night! Sometimes you have to wonder where the common sense and humanity has gone in the game… UTV
Ofcom statement on investigation into Premier League TV rights;
Ofcom has today opened an investigation into how the Premier League sells live UK audio-visual media rights for Premier League football matches.
The investigation will be carried out under the Competition Act and follows a complaint from Virgin Media, which was submitted to Ofcom in September.
As set out in section 25 of the Competition Act, Ofcom may conduct an investigation where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is an agreement which has as its object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the UK and/or the EU.
Ofcom will consider whether there is a breach of the UK and/or EU competition law prohibition on agreements and decisions which restrict or distort competition.
Process
In the initial phase of the investigation, Ofcom expects to gather further information using its powers under the Competition Act.
The initial analysis of this information will help inform Ofcom’s view on whether and how to proceed further with the investigation.
This case is at an early stage and Ofcom has not reached a view as to whether there is sufficient evidence of an infringement of competition law for it to issue a statement of objections. Not all cases result in Ofcom issuing a statement of objections. As a result, there are not currently any further estimates of the timing of any later investigative steps.
The complaint
Virgin Media’s complaint alleges that the arrangements for the ‘collective’ selling of live UK television rights by the Premier League for matches played by its member clubs is in breach of competition law.
In particular, the complaint raises concerns about the number of Premier League matches for which live broadcasting rights are made available.
Virgin Media argues that the proportion of matches made available for live television broadcast under the current Premier League rights deals – at 41% – is lower than some other leading European leagues, where more matches are available for live television broadcast.
The complaint alleges that this contributes to higher prices for consumers of pay TV packages that include premium sport channels and for the pay TV retailers of premium sports channels.
The Premier League rights auction
Ofcom is mindful of the likely timing of the next auction of live UK audio-visual media rights, and is open to discussion with the Premier League about its plans.
Scheduling of live matches on TV
Ofcom understands that the scheduling of football games is important to many football fans, in particular attending 3pm kick-offs on Saturdays. The investigation will take this into account and Ofcom plans to approach the Football Supporters’ Federation and certain other supporters’ groups to understand their views.
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More on the FSF here
