Premier League, EFL Suspend Russian Coverage
The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have suspended the availability of coverage in Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Premier League made the announcement after a shareholders’ meeting in London yesterday (8th March). The decision was unanimous amongst the 20 clubs.
The league’s current rights deal with Russian broadcast partner Rambler is due to expire at the end of the season. The league did not mention its new six-year deal with Gazprom-owned Match TV, which will begin with the 2022/23 season.
The league stated, “The Premier League and its clubs today unanimously agreed to suspend our agreement with Russian broadcast partner Rambler (Okko Sport) with immediate effect and to donate £1m to support the people of Ukraine.
“The league strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those impacted.
“The £1m donation will be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need.”
The UK’s Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston, responded to the news by saying, “This is absolutely the right thing to do and we fully support the Premier League’s decision to stop broadcasting matches in Russia in response to Putin’s barbaric, senseless invasion of Ukraine.
“Russia cannot be allowed to legitimise its illegal war through sport and culture, and we must work together to ensure Putin remains a pariah on the international stage.”
Football TV (MTV) is the broadcaster for EFL matches in Russia, while Match TV is the broadcaster for Carabao Cup matches.
The EFL said, “Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in the region, the EFL has suspended the broadcast feeds of its matches in the Russian Federation.
“Access to the EFL’s iFollow service and other Club streaming services have also been withdrawn in the territory.
“Echoing the views of the Premier League and other organisations around the world, the EFL remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict. As has been demonstrated at EFL grounds around the country, ‘Football Stands Together’ with the people of Ukraine and all those impacted.“
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