In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Champions League final, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged TNT Sports to make the match between Arsenal and Paris St-Germain available for free. This request comes as the broadcaster plans to restrict access to subscribers only, marking a departure from the tradition of free viewership for finals since the Champions League's inception in 1992.

Starmer's Appeal to TNT Sports

In a letter addressed to TNT executives, Starmer expressed his disappointment over the decision, stating, "I was saddened to see that, for the first time since the competition started 34 years ago, TNT Sports has decided that [the fixture] will not be free to watch for football supporters here in the UK." He emphasized the importance of the Champions League, describing it as "the biggest club football competition in the world" and highlighting its significance to fans across the UK, which he referred to as "the home of football."

Support for All Fans

Starmer, an Arsenal supporter, acknowledged his personal interest in the final but stressed that the issue transcends individual teams. He noted, "This is about supporters of all teams coming together in living rooms and pubs in every corner of the country to watch the most elite players in Europe battle it out." He argued that "hard-working people should not have to worry about forking out for a subscription to watch a game of this magnitude," reinforcing the need to prioritize fans' access to the match.

In addition to the Champions League final, fans were required to have a TNT subscription to view Aston Villa's recent Europa League victory, and the same will apply to the upcoming Conference League final featuring Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano.

TNT Sports' Response

In response to the backlash, TNT Sports stated, "It has been a privilege to bring Uefa club competitions to sports fans across the UK throughout the season." They highlighted the achievement of three Premier League clubs reaching the finals as a testament to the strength of English football. The broadcaster also mentioned that all three UEFA finals this year are available for a subscription starting at £4.99, which they believe offers exceptional value for fans.

As the final approaches, Starmer's call for free access reflects a broader concern for fan engagement and accessibility in football, urging TNT Sports to reconsider their subscription-only model for this prestigious event.