1. Soccer Streams
  2. News
  3. Premier League AGM Talking Points: Russia, Gambling & Fixture Congestion

Premier League AGM Talking Points: Russia, Gambling & Fixture Congestion

Published:
Shutterstock
Shutterstock

£43m deal with Russian broadcaster Match TV may be axed at this year's Annual General Meeting

At the Premier League's Annual General Meeting (AGM) later this week, several important topics will be discussed. Chief among them will be what to do about the league's six-year TV rights deal with Russian broadcaster Match TV.

Having cut ties with previous partner Rambler following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, speculation has been building over whether or not the EPL will suspend its deal with Match TV. The agreement is worth £43m and is set to begin at the start of the 2022-23 campaign in August. The broadcaster in question, Match TV, is owned by Gazprom Media which is an arm of the Russian state.

Clubs will now have to decide how to proceed with this delicate TV rights issue, while Putin and his forces continue their advances into Ukraine.

The Gambling Industry

Another major topic of discussion at this year's AGM will be the gambling industry and its positionining in the league. Many Premier League kits were sponsored by betting firms last season and a proposal has been tabled to ban clubs from having betting companies as sponsors going forward.

Having previously called for self-regulation on the issue, some now believe the league may be about to ban such sponsorships.

Fixture Congestion

Busy schedules have drawn the ire of several managers and players in recent years, most notably perhaps Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Those complaints may be about to itensify as we head into a season not only containing all the usual commitments but also a winter World Cup in Qatar stuck in the middle.

The league will discuss how to balance the various competitions at club and international level in order to best alleviate fixture congestion. Whatever they come up with, the schedule is sure to anger several managers in the league.

With the Premier League, domestic cups and European competitions to contend with, managers and players will also be expected to participate in international breaks and the Qatar World Cup itself.

These hot button topics and more will be discussed at the AGM and we can expect the answers to some of these pertinent questions in the coming weeks.

Stick with Sporticos for more football news and check out our football live stream page to find out when you're team is playing next and how you can watch them online.

Follow Sporticos on Google News

Check Sporticos on Google News
Google News Feeds