MP to discuss free-to-air Scotland games with broadcasters

The SNP's Gavin Newlands believes Scotland's matches should be free to watch in the same way England and Wales games are

Author: Paul KellyPublished 13th Apr 2023
Last updated 13th Apr 2023

An SNP MP is set to get round the table with the Scottish FA and major broadcasters on Thursday, in a bid to get Scotland’s national football matches on free-to-air television.

Gavin Newlands is hosting the discussion with representatives from BBC Scotland and Alba, Sky, STV, Channel 4, and Viaplay.

Subscription service Viaplay currently holds the rights to show all of the men’s national team’s World Cup 2026 qualifiers, all of the campaign to reach Euro 2028 and all Nations League and international friendlies between 2024 and 2028.

Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Mr. Newlands believes Scotland's international football matches should be free to watch in the same way England and Wales games are.

He said: "I am extremely grateful to all the major broadcasters and representatives from Scottish football who have taken the time to come and discuss this very important issue.

"Scotland fans are being priced out of watching their national team whilst England fans can watch their side for free on Channel 4, and Welsh supporters can see their games on S4C free of charge.

"I want to see a similar offering for Scotland fans. We are now seeing one of the best Scotland sides in decades and to inspire the next generation of talent we should not have to get past a paywall to see it.

"Watching Scottish football is becoming even more expensive with the number of subscriptions that fans need just to watch their own team, we need to find a solution so fans can watch Scotland for free.

"I am hopeful for a positive discussion and hope we can find a solution that works both for Scottish football and for fans of the national game."

Scotland's recent 2-0 victory over Spain means they are now unbeaten in six games. Their last defeat came against Ireland in June 2022.

The Spain match was only available to watch on Viaplay.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.