Channel 4 to broadcast Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign

Channel 4 will break the UK football TV ban rule by showing the FIFA Club World Cup final live later this month – if Premier League side Chelsea do so. hit.

Their coverage of the final, which takes place in the United Arab Emirates on February 12, will go against the long-standing broadcast rule that prohibits the broadcast of live matches between 2:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. on Saturday after- midday.

Champions League holders Chelsea are the competition favorites and are set to feature in the final as they look to join Barcelona
, Bayern Munich
Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United by winning the title for the first time in their history.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are automatically qualified for the semi-finals and will look to win a draw on February 9 to clinch a place in the final. Their opponents are not yet known.

If Chelsea progress, Channel 4 will begin coverage at 4pm on February 12 after winning exclusive terrestrial rights. Kick-off is at 4.30pm UK time.

It has been suggested that Channel 4 be allowed to show the match during the blackout period as the competition is organized by FIFA rather than UEFA.

The blackout rule, which has been in place in the UK since the 1960s, was introduced to ensure attendance at lower league games is not negatively affected by fans staying home to watch football matches. high level on television.
Channel 4’s decision means that, provided Chelsea emerge victorious from their semi-final, UK football fans will be treated to live action within the blackout period.

This has become a regular occurrence as fans were banned from attending games during the Covid pandemic, with Sky Sports and BT Sport regularly showing 3pm kick-offs in the Premier League.

Chelsea’s semi-final will take place on February 9, three days before the final in Abu Dhabi. It will air on E4, with coverage beginning at 4 p.m. before a 4:30 p.m. kickoff.