Non-televised games involving Yorkshire EFL clubs to be streamed

SUPPORTERS of Yorkshire's nine English Football League clubs are to significantly benefit after the league's governing body and Sky Sports reached an agreement to allow all non-televised matches to be available for a match-pass price of £10.
A Sky Sports cameraman pictured at Elland Road. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.A Sky Sports cameraman pictured at Elland Road. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
A Sky Sports cameraman pictured at Elland Road. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

All games not broadcast live on Sky Sports will now be available via iFollow or equivalent streaming services, a statement confirmed.

The news will ensure that fans unable to attend games due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on large gatherings will be able to watch their teams remotely.

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Some supporters could potentially allowed to return to stadiums at the start of October, with a limit of a 30 per cent capacity having been set.

A statement from the EFL read: "Sky Sports and the EFL are set to ensure supporters don’t miss any of the EFL action when the season returns next month after agreeing a new flexible framework that will ensure league matches are either available for broadcast or streaming whilst access to matches is restricted.

"The broadcaster will show 130 live EFL league matches throughout season 2020/21. And whilst the doors remain shut to fans, or with limited spectators allowed through the turnstiles, an arrangement exists whereby all matches that are NOT LIVE on Sky Sports will be available to stream by clubs on iFollow (or club equivalent service), for a match pass price of £10.

"In addition, season ticket holders will, under the newly agreed framework, be provided access to all HOME GAMES, subject to the agreement of the club where the supporter holds a season ticket. In the Championship access to AWAY MIDWEEK matches will also be available as part of the season ticket package if clubs choose to offer it.

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"The match by match streaming and season ticket offer is a TEMPORARY measure that has only been put in place whilst Clubs operate at a zero or reduced capacity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be subject to regular review with the first set for early October.

"Subject to clubs choosing to provide access to season ticket holders, this is only available if supporters purchase their 2020/21 ticket by October 4."

EFL chief executive David Baldwin said: “There is no argument that attending live matches is what the League, its clubs and fans want to see and, clearly, the overriding objective is to get supporters back into stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so.

"In the meantime, this framework allows our clubs, if they so wish, to reward their most loyal supporters by providing what we hope is only short-term access to watch their matches.

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“It’s important that whilst the doors remain fully, or part shut, we ensure there is the ability for fans of all EFL clubs to be able to gain access and watch their team and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sky Sports for their support in this matter.

"Collectively, it’s not our preferred situation but given the circumstances COVID has presented us it gives us a temporary option whilst we finalise our plans for fans returning."

Meanwhile, the EFL have confirmed that Watford's Championship home game with Middlesbrough will start the new domestic season on Friday, September 11.

Boro's home game with Shrewsbury Town in the Carabao Cup will also be screened live on the previous Friday.