The Champions League final will not be broadcast for free in the UK for the first time in 34 years, with TNT Sports reportedly irritating UEFA by opting to charge fans to watch the game
TNT Sports have taken the unprecedented step of deciding not to air the Champions League final for free in the UK.
The broadcaster has reportedly ruffled feathers at UEFA by choosing to charge fans to view all three European finals despite English clubs vying for a clean sweep of titles. Arsenal are set to challenge reigning champions PSG in the Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest.
The Gunners are aiming to clinch Europe’s premier competition for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, Aston Villa take on Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday as they pursue their first major trophy since 1996.
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A week later, Crystal Palace face off against Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final as they strive to secure their first European trophy ever.
However, the Guardian reports that none of these matches will be accessible for fans to watch on free-to-air television in the UK.
It will mark the first time since the Champions League’s modern rebrand 34 years ago that viewers in Britain won’t be able to tune into the final without purchasing a subscription.
New subscribers over the coming days can view the finals, with the most affordable HBO Max subscription available for £4.99, while TNT Sports costs £31.99 a month on most platforms, reports the Mirror.
Champions League finals were previously aired live on ITV, which held exclusive rights from the competition’s inception, as the rebranded European Cup, in 1992 until 2003, then shared rights with Sky Sports until 2015.
TNT Sport’s decision is reportedly causing some consternation at UEFA.
Insiders have informed the Guardian that it violates the spirit of a contract which stipulates “best endeavours” should be employed to ensure the finals are accessible for free.