MPs Have Voted 340 to 86 Against Allowing 10 Premier League Games To Be Broadcast For Free In The UK
9 Jul 2025
MPs have voted down a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Football Governance Bill that would have required at least ten Premier League matches per season to be shown on free-to-air TV. The proposal, aimed at dismantling paywalls that cost fans up to £660 annually, was defeated by 340 votes to 86.
Liberal Democrat Culture spokesperson Max Wilkinson called for cross-party support, criticising the current system for enriching broadcasters while shutting out fans. He cited Spain’s model, where one La Liga match per week must be shown for free, as a better alternative.
Wilkinson warned that high costs are making football inaccessible to future generations, saying: “The next generation of Bellinghams and Bronzes are priced out of the chance to see top-level football.”
The amendment also sought to make key matches, such as play-off finals and the League Cup Final, available without subscription.
Despite acknowledging public interest, Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock argued that free-to-air access must be balanced against the billions generated from broadcast rights. The government confirmed it has no plans to review current broadcasting rules.