Audio By Carbonatix
MPs could be set to vote on a proposal to make at least 10 Premier League games available on free-to-air television each season.
The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to the Football Governance Bill, which continues to make its way through parliament.
The legislation will establish a regulator that is independent from government and the sport's authorities to oversee the men's game in England's top five divisions.
The amendment would require it to ensure that the top-flight matches - along with the League Cup Final, and the Championship, League One and League Two play-off finals - would be free-to-air.
The Lib Dems say they are confident that a vote will be granted on the proposal.
Last year, the party committed to widening public access to major sporting events by ensuring more are available to view without subscription TV packages.
It says it favours a similar approach to one taken in Spain, where La Liga must offer one free game a week to fans after a change in the law in 2022.
Max Wilkinson MP, Lib Dem spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "I'm urging MPs of all stripes to back our amendment to tear down the paywall and make Premier League games available on free-to-air channels.
"For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier that keeps fans out while lining the pockets of broadcasters.
"That must end today - with a free-to-air revolution that gives the Premier League back to the country."
A spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said: "The government has no plans to review the listed events regime."
The Premier League declined to comment.
The legislation has now reached the report stage in the House of Commons.
A similar amendment was tabled at the committee stage last month.
At the time, the Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: "The listed events regime have protected key moments such as the FA Cup Final while ensuring that the Premier League, EFL & FA are able to raise billions of pounds annually, which is invested back into the pyramid.
"We all want to see more matches being televised free-to-air, but that must be balanced against that investment and not risk it… It would not be appropriate for the regulator to intervene in commercial decisions between the relevant broadcasters and rights holders."
The Lib Dems claim analysis of subscription prices shows that to watch each available Premier League game live next season, fans will have to pay £660 a year.
Last month, it was revealed that Premier League television viewing figures on main live rights-holder Sky Sports were down 10% last season, while TNT Sports had a 17% reduction in its year-on-year figures.
Latest Stories
-
If NPP wants NDC votes, why reject your own? – Akomea pushes for Alan’s return
1 hour -
Ivory Coast will send officials to calm protests by cocoa farmers, source says
2 hours -
Bring Alan back – Nana Akomea pushes Bawumia to reconcile with former NPP heavyweight
2 hours -
US inflation jumps to 3.8% as energy costs surge from Iran war
2 hours -
Elon Musk said control of OpenAI should go to his children, Sam Altman tells jury
2 hours -
Gideon Boako urges accountability, reform, and national policy direction on waste management
3 hours -
Some landlords forcing students into prostitution through high rent – Rent Commissioner
3 hours -
Landlords who remove tenants’ roofs over rent disputes risk jail – Rent Commissioner
3 hours -
Parliament confirms detention of Asante Akyem North MP in the Netherlands
3 hours -
Police arrest fetish priest over murder and mutilation of Kasoa trader
3 hours -
Gender Minister leads support visit to family of abused child
3 hours -
Fire destroys portion of 13-bedroom apartment at Wassa Kwabeng
3 hours -
Construction begins on landmark TVET school in Wa West’s eastern corridor
3 hours -
Ghanaians do not eat stability, inflation – Nana Akomea challenges gov’t economic gains
4 hours -
Nana Akomea’s ‘Ghanaians do not eat stability’ comment is mere politics – Kwakye Ofosu
4 hours