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LALIGA has claimed that the TV blackout regulation should be removed in order to allow UK supporters to watch Jude Bellingham’s El Clasico debut.
On Saturday, Bellingham and his Real Madrid team will visit Barcelona.
However, because of the 3.15pm UK kickoff, which was arranged to allow supporters in Asia to see the game, Viaplay will not be able to air it live in this nation.
Prem clubs have decided to maintain the 2.45–5:15 pm blackout, which was instituted in the 1960s to safeguard attendance, at least until 2029.
“We’re disappointed that British fans cannot watch El Clasico this weekend due to the UK’s self-imposed Saturday 3pm rule,” stated Keegan Pierce, MD of LaLiga UK and Ireland.
Many supporters of England’s Bellingham and Co. would not normally travel to UK games, according to LaLiga.
Pierce went on, saying, “We think the blackout should be restricted to the televising of domestic football, not international competitions, even though we fully support measures to promote attendance.”
It happens as 20-year-old Bellingham manages to make his £115 million cost appear like a good deal.
The midfield player, who joined from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, has scored 11 goals in 12 games.
He was named “The New Boss of the Bernabeu” by the Spanish publication Diario on their main page.
And if Bellingham leads La Liga leaders Real Madrid to an El Clasico victory on Saturday, he will once more be featured on the cover.
Barca is one point behind Girona in third place, with Girona ranking second on goal differential.