Initial reports have it that Sky Sports and BT Sport are resisting pressure put on them to screen for free the 47 Premier League matches they have left this season. This is despite the call made by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden this week for any remaining games played this season to be made available to all.
Understandably, having paid £421 million for matches that remain outstanding, including some of the biggest properties of the season in which the title, Champions League qualification and relegation issues were to be decided, the domestic rights holders for the Premier League are unwilling to give them away for free.
Talks are ongoing between the Premier Leagu, broadcasters and the Government in attempts to broker a compromise whereby the other 45 matches are screened for free. This would involve them being shown on the red button services offered by Sky Sports and BT, rather than being handed over to rival broadcasters.