Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
The true cost of being a football fan in Britain
JAMES NALTON insists it is time to cancel the TV subscriptions, and to support our local clubs instead - a chance to lower the cost and benefit our communities
A view of the corner flag on the pitch at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED’S league meeting with Leeds United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night was the latest fixture to raise the issue of how football is broadcast on TV in Britain — what football is shown, how much of it and the cost to fans.

Despite being on a Wednesday night, the game was not broadcast on TV in Britain.

This was due to it being rearranged from September 17 last year and not initially scheduled for broadcast as it was a 3pm Saturday game.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Grimsby Town's goalkeeper Christy Pym (right) is congratulated by his teammates after they win the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup second round match at Hill Blundell Park, Grimsby, August 27, 2025
Men’s football / 29 August 2025
29 August 2025

As football grapples with overloaded calendars and commercial pressure, the Mariners’ triumph reminds us why the game’s soul lives far from the spotlight, writes JAMES NALTON

Bayern Munich's Harry Kane with The Bundesliga Meisterschale (championship shield) at the Allianz Arena, Munich, after his side won the Bundesliga title. Picture date: Saturday May 10, 2025
Men's Football / 22 August 2025
22 August 2025

JAMES NALTON takes a look at the German league’s move to grow its audience in Britain, and around the future of football on TV in general

Auckland City's Gerard Garriga cools off under the sprinklers during a water break in the Club World Cup Group C soccer match between Auckland City and Boca Juniors in Nashville, Tenn., June 24, 2025
Men’s football / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON

Gianni Infantino
Men’s football / 23 April 2025
23 April 2025

JAMES NALTON discusses the use of dynamic ticket pricing at the 2026 World Cup and how it amplifies a culture already set up to squeeze as much money from fans as possible