UEFA has lifted the infamous 3 pm blackout from England and Scotland which is yet another proof that the 2019-20 season is set to be finished behind closed doors.
On Friday, the Premier League made it official that the matches have been suspended indefinitely and they will only resume once the situation is right.
The statement read: “At a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, clubs discussed in detail how to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“First and foremost, it was reaffirmed that the overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities, including players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters.
“It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
“The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.
“The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution.”
And now in a bid to help the wrapping up of the leagues, UEFA have lifted the 3 pm blackout which is covered by article 8 of their regulations.
The rule has been since the 1950s which helps encourage fans to go to games of the lower-league sides.
Now UEFA have done away with this rule meaning both Sky Sports and BT Sport will be able to broadcast league matches kicking off at 3 pm.
The UEFA statement read: “Taking into account the current exceptional circumstances, UEFA has lifted the ‘blocked hours’ protection granted to the UEFA Member Associations for England and Scotland for the remainder of the 2019/20 football season, following requests from the relevant National Associations as a result of measures taken in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Saturday 3pm blackout lifted in biggest hint Premier League's going behind closed doorshttps://t.co/QHSxRFbL67 pic.twitter.com/qtl35r5BA4
— Daily Star Sport (@DailyStar_Sport) April 3, 2020
This is another boost from UEFA immediately after the governing body for football in Europe had announced that the Champions and Europa League have both been postponed while the EURO 2020 has been shifted to the next year.
The scraping of the 3 pm blackout means that now the Premier League, as well as the Scottish Premiership, have the option of playing more games in one single day in order to wrap up the remainder of the matches in the 2019-20 season.