Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reached out to TNT Sports with a request to make the upcoming Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain available for free viewing. This comes as the broadcaster announced that a paid subscription would be required to watch the match, marking the first time in 34 years that the final will not be accessible to all fans without charge.

Starmer's Open Letter

In his open letter, Starmer emphasized the significance of the Champions League, stating, "The Champions League is the biggest club football competition in the world and rightly means a lot to fans in this country - the home of football." As an Arsenal supporter, he expressed his desire for as many fans as possible to witness the historic final, which is Arsenal's first in two decades. However, he also highlighted the broader implications of the match, urging that it should be a communal experience for supporters of all teams.

Concerns for Fans

Starmer voiced his concerns regarding the financial burden on fans, stating, "Hard-working people should not have to worry about forking out for a subscription to watch a game of this magnitude." He reiterated the importance of prioritizing supporters and mentioned his previous encouragement to FIFA for more affordable ticket prices at the upcoming World Cup.

The Prime Minister concluded his letter by urging TNT Sports to reconsider their decision and make the final free to watch for the millions of passionate football fans across the UK. In addition to Arsenal, fans of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace will also face subscription fees to view their respective European finals, with Aston Villa having already secured the Europa League title.