Blocked Hours for Live Streaming of Matches
The FA have today re-sent out this communication for all Clubs at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System regarding the Live Streaming of Matches.
This is due to the potential to stream games now that top flight professional football is on hold due to the World Cup.
“We are writing to Clubs to inform them of the “blocked hours” that will be in place for the 2022/23 season.
To that end, please note the broadcasting of matches (including live streaming) during “blocked hours” is prohibited from 30th July 2022.
To clarify, the streaming of matches outside of blocked hours is permitted. For FA Cup, Trophy and Vase fixtures Clubs must adhere to the specific competition Regulations pursuant to broadcasting.
What are blocked hours?
Blocked hours are set time periods occurring on a Saturday when it is prohibited to broadcast any form of live football.
Blocked hours for Season 2022/23 are every Saturday occurring during each period set out below between the hours of 14:45 and 17:15:
Saturday 30 July 2022 to Saturday 17 September 2022
Saturday 1 October 2022 to Saturday 12 November 2022
Saturday 14 January 2023 to Saturday 18 March 2023
Saturday 1 April 2023 to Saturday 20 May 2023
Why do we have blocked hours?
Blocked hours have been in place for many years in England and are permitted by Article 48 of the UEFA Statutes.
The rationale for blocked hours includes:
• To ensure spectators are not deterred from attending your matches.
• In parallel to the above, protecting clubs’ revenue generated by gate receipts.
• To protect the interests of football within each national association.
For the avoidance of doubt, clubs are not permitted to broadcast games in the periods set out above, but may record fixtures for later match
analysis or highlights purposes.
What are the consequences of broadcasting or live streaming matches during blocked hours?
This could result in disciplinary action against a Club or individuals as Clubs would be in breach of UEFA Article 48.”