Why is Manchester City vs Leeds on TV? Premier League announce plans to break 3pm blackout rule

The Premier League will break the 3pm TV blackout rule for Manchester City’s rearranged clash against Leeds next month.

The longstanding prohibition, also known as Article 48, stops the live broadcast of games in England between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on a Saturday.

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The Saturday 3pm ‘blackout rule’ has stood since the 1960s to protect lower league attendances that typically take place during this slot.

It was temporarily lifted as part of ‘Project Restart’ during the Covid-19 pandemic – returning once fans were allowed back in stadiums.

Now City’s match at home to Leeds will be televised despite being moved to a 3pm Saturday slot – here’s why…

Why is Man City vs Leeds on TV?

The match was originally supposed to take place on Sunday 7 May, but was pushed forward a day due to its proximity to City’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday, 9 May.

The usual Saturday 12:30pm slot was available, but a lack of police resources and a potential clash with King Charles III’s coronation ruled that out.

And on May 6, there aren’t any lower league matches scheduled, opening up a space for the game to remain on Sky Sports at 3pm.

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A statement from the Premier League read: “With Manchester City visiting Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday 9 May, their home match with Leeds United has moved from Sunday 7 May to 15:00 BST on Saturday 6 May.

“The match will remain live on Sky Sports in the UK, subject to further consultation with relevant stakeholders regarding Article 48.

“The usual Saturday 12:30 BST UK live broadcast slot has been avoided so as not to clash with the King’s Coronation.

“A later kick-off is not possible due to police resourcing.”