Premier League takes action on broadcast deal with Russia following Ukraine invasion

Premier League takes action on broadcast deal with Russia following Ukraine invasion

The Premier League and EFL have suspended their broadcast deals in Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine, with the Premier League also pledging £1m to the Disasters Emergency Committee to deliver humanitarian aid.

The move will take effect immediately, meaning Thursday’s four matches will not be shown in the country. The matter took only 15 minutes of a four-hour meeting of all 20 clubs in London on Tuesday to agree.

That means none of this month’s FA Cup quarter-final matches will be shown.

The Premier League says it condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and that its clubs unanimously agreed on the move.

“We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those impacted,” the Premier League said in a statement.

“The £1m donation will be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need.”

Last weekend, Premier League clubs showed solidarity with Ukraine as captains wore special armbands in Ukrainian colours, while stadium screens displayed ‘Football Stands Together’ in front of the country’s blue and yellow flag.

It is understood there will be no repeat of the pro-Ukraine branding that took place around last weekend’s games. However, clubs have been cleared to produce their own response if they wish.

The English Football League (EFL) says it has also suspended broadcast feeds of its matches in Russia.

“Echoing the views of the Premier League and other organisations around the world, the EFL remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict,” the EFL said in a statement.

“As has been demonstrated at EFL grounds around the country, ‘Football Stands Together’ with the people of Ukraine and all those impacted.”

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Russian players to be banned from participation

Russia Flag

Culture ministers from 37 countries, including Britain and the US, have published an open letter calling for strict sanctions across the sporting world as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.

The statement, which followed a virtual summit convened by the culture secretary, Nadine Dorries, and sports minister, Nigel Huddleston, called on Russia and Belarus to be banned from hosting or bidding for any international sporting events.

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