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The EFL has announced that following a deal with Sky Sports it will implement a flexible framework to ensure that fans of all the body’s divisions are able to broadcast or stream every fixture whilst football remains without crowds.
Along with Sky Sports showing 130 live EFL league matches throughout the 2020/21 season, all fixtures not aired live by the broadcaster will be available to stream via the clubs iFollow service or other streaming provider.
The EFL has priced the match pass at £10 per fixture, however club season ticket holders will be provided access to all home games, subject to the agreement of the club where the supporter holds a season ticket.
EFL Chief Executive David Baldwin commented: “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.
“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.”
EFL Championship fans will also gain access to away midweek matches as part of the season ticket package, if the team chooses to offer it. Fans of League 1 and 2 will, however, not be given the same luxury with the season ticket offer in those divisions only limited to home fixtures.
Additionally, Carabao Cup first round fixtures not selected by Sky Sports will also be eligible for clubs to stream on a match pass basis at £10.
The match-by-match and season ticket offer is only a temporary measure whilst clubs operate at zero or a limited capacity. The EFL has announced that a review on the framework has been set for early October as to whether the system will continue.
