Keir Starmer urges TNT to reverse decision and make Champions League final free-to-air as Arsenal bid for further glory against PSG
Keir Starmer has called on TNT Sports to reverse its decision and allow football fans to watch the Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG for free.
The broadcaster, the competition’s rights holder in the UK, is understood to be disappointed with UEFA over its decision to charge viewers to watch the match in Budapest, Hungary, on 30 May.
TNT has opted to charge fans to watch three European finals, each featuring an English club.
The first took place on Wednesday, when Aston Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 to win the Europa League.
Arsenal fan Starmer called on TNT Sports to make the upcoming final available to watch for free.
“Football should bring people together, not exclude them,” Starmer wrote on social media.
Keir Starmer calls on TNT to reverse decision and make Champions League final free to fans
Arsenal will face PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest next weekend.
‘For the first time since the competition started, fans will not be able to watch the Champions League final for free. This is not true.
This is bigger than wanting to watch Arsenal in this historic final. It’s bigger than a club.
‘Hardworking people do not need to pay subscription fees to watch this match.
‘I encourage TNT Sports to reconsider and watch the final for free next Saturday.’
TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) has made the finals free since it first acquired the rights in 2015-16. ITV has previously shown the final since the competition was rebranded in 1992.
But this year access is restricted to customers and subscribers paying £31.99 per month. HBO Max comes at £4.99 per month.
The Champions League Final is not one of the protected ‘gems’ that the government requires to be shown free of charge.
TNT announced the move and added that Laura Woods will present the Champions League Final alongside Steven Gerrard, Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist.
The final’s next step was a move to pay TV, with BT Sport, formerly TNT Sports, acquiring the UEFA rights for the 2015–16 season.
Viewers will have to pay to watch the Champions League final for the first time this season
Before that year, the Champions League final could be watched for free on ITV, which had exclusive rights to the competition since 1992. This continued until 2003, after which the channel shared the rights with Sky Sports until 2015.
UEFA was disappointed with the decision; Sources suggested the decision went against the spirit of the contract, which says ‘best efforts’ must be made to ensure the finals are free.
Arsenal are looking to win the Champions League for the first time in their history but face Mikel Arteta’s new Premier League champions competing with PSG to defend their title.
Crystal Palace will also bid for victory in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano, with the showcase taking place in Leipzig, Germany, on May 27.
