Premier League clubs’ bid to stream matches to fans fails in blow to top-flight fans

A request by a group of Premier League clubs to screen their own matches has failed.

Next season is set to kick off behind closed doors — and if and when supporters are allowed back into stadiums it is likely to be on a reduced-capacity basis.

Unlike the situation following the restart, not all matches will be televised — and there are fears that illegal streams, on which fans can watch for free, will be rife.

The 92 matches played after the restart were broadcast live with 33 made available for free

Sportsmail understands that a number of top-flight sides wished to show non-televised matches on club websites, charging a subscription fee in the process.

The iFollow model, an official streaming service widely used throughout the EFL, was used as an example to show that it could work — and could be lucrative.

The group in favour is thought to have included Crystal Palace and West Ham and the idea was discussed at the recent meeting of all top-flight clubs.

The Premier League’s 2020-21 campaign will get underway on Saturday, September 12  

However, it was quickly shot down. It is thought that the prospect of broadcasters — who have paid sizeable sums to show matches — giving the green light would have been highly unlikely.

‘It seems unfair,’ one official explained. ‘We’re pretty sure that thousands of fans are going to be unable to watch matches. 

‘Given they are not going to be televised, charging them to watch games on the club website would satisfy demand, impact on illegal streams and raise some extra revenue at a time when it is needed.’

Following Government pressure, the 92 matches played after the restart were broadcast live with 33 made available for free.