Plans to end Saturday 3pm TV blackout but not in the Premier League

Talks are ongoing to end the 3pm Saturday television blackout - but only from League One and below.

The weekend's FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Liverpool started at 3.30pm - while three top flight matches were ongoing - and some believe that the current measure is outdated and should be scrapped.

However, Sportsmail understands that both the Premier League and Championship have little appetite to drop the ban, which has been in place for decades.

There is a view that the blackout protects attendances at lower league fixtures and participation in the Saturday afternoon amateur game.

Below the top two tiers, there are many who are seeking to live stream away matches on their own digital platforms in Leagues One, Two and the National League.

They feel that they could make money from showing the games on iFollow, and believe it would not impact on the numbers of supporters travelling to road games as they are a hardcore who would continue to do so.

There is also a view that staging live screenings at their own stadiums would allow them to open corporate hospitality suites and generate further revenue.

The regulation is enforced by the FA, but is only optional. Indeed, during lockdown EFL matches were shown on iFollow with fans unable to enter the ground to watch first hand.

Such a move would not be without opposition. Accrington Stanley owner Andy Holt has often been an outspoken critic, believing that showing matches would rob his club of much-needed cash from away followings.

The matter is likely to be discussed further then EFL clubs get together for their annual meeting in June.