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Premier League remaining fixtures could be played on free-to-air television, the Mirror reports. Government held discussions with the Premier League on possibilities to show the matches via terrestrial channels. The idea is to make the matches available for all houses. With this, the government can prevent the people from visiting their friends to watch the games. Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said: "It's a very good point and I've raised exactly this challenge to the Premier League in the conversations I had with them," "I have said to the Premier League in particular... I think it wouldn't send the best signal if they were one of the first major sports to resume behind closed doors and the public at large couldn't have access to it. "I appreciate that sports are reliant on the revenue they derive [from subscriptions] so I don't want to issue some blanket mandate on trying to change things round. "But they are mindful and there are different ways you can protect revenue from broadcasting but also look at ways of increasing access. "I have urged them to do that and that's what they are considering."Normally, the Premier League matches are available on Sky Sports and BT Sport, via subscription (and Amazon, 20 matches). However, if BBC, iTV and other terrestrial channels are given the right to broadcast the matches, there will be less risk of the coronavirus spread. Alternative ways for the streaming were also mentioned during the discussion. Yet, the Premier League hasn't decided anything on this issue. Earlier, The PL have released a statement on the restart of the season. It said: “We are acutely aware of the distress COVID-19 is causing and our thoughts are with all those directly affected by the pandemic. In common with other businesses and industries, the Premier League and our clubs are working through complex planning scenarios. We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it it safe to do so and with the full support of the government. The health and well-being of players, coaches, managers, club staff, and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows. Today’s shareholders’ meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops. In response to the pandemic, the PL, our clubs and players have provided vital support for communities and the NHS and will continue to do so after matches recommence.”Government confirm talks with Premier League to show games on free-to-air TVhttps://t.co/NEwgnKE0bs pic.twitter.com/LLhH34epos
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) April 22, 2020