Northern Premier League respond to streaming concerns

The Northern Premier League has issued a statement following FC United of Manchester’s decision to opt out of the ClubberTV live streaming scheme.

The league rejected suggestions from a “member club” that there had been a lack of consultation over the plans, which were announced last week as part of the wider Trident Leagues partnership with the Irish-based streaming company.

FC United cited concerns over potential disruption to matchday routines, fan experience, and overall club operations in relation to the streaming scheme, whilst also claiming that clubs “were not asked to approve or reject the Trident Leagues’ scheme through any formal process, nor given a meaningful opportunity to consider its implications”.

The club also stressed that while they are not opposed to live streaming in principle, it should only be introduced when done “appropriately”.

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Disingenuous

Shortly after the comments made by the club, the NPL issued a statement which read: “It is disingenuous of clubs to suggest that there was no consultation. Three consultation surveys were undertaken with all members across the Trident Leagues.

“The League notes a statement by one member club that contains a number of detail inaccuracies.

“The NPL has not and will not force clubs to move Saturday kick-offs. This has been stressed in all written communication issued to clubs across the three separate consultations with member clubs. 

“FA standardised rules also require the agreement of both clubs for a Saturday kick off time to be moved.

“So where one club doesn’t wish to do so, there is no further action.

“Together with an assurance that the NPL would not force clubs to move Saturday kick-offs offs, this was made clear in the consultations which also included a 1-2-1 call with the complaining club.

“Whether or not a club opts into the scheme is a matter for them alone. All fixture changes must be approved by the Northern Premier League.”

Implications

FC United released a follow-up statement, acknowledging the statement made by the NPL and welcoming the “confirmation that no club across the Trident Leagues will be required to move kick-off times or take part in the ClubberTV streaming initiative over the next three years”.

“To be clear, clubs have not been given the opportunity to fully consider the implications of this scheme,” the statement continued.

“They have not seen the full details of the deal – including the business case, risk assessment, or technical and operational implications – and therefore cannot make informed decisions.

“Consultation requires access to this information and the chance to discuss it with fellow clubs; without it, no meaningful debate or assessment is possible, despite the significant impact on fixtures, finances, players, supporters, volunteers, and the wider matchday experience.

“Decisions of this scale should be debated openly and voted on by clubs, in line with good governance.

“We are grateful to the many clubs and media representatives that have contacted us to offer their support, and to the countless supporters and volunteers – of FC United and across non-league football – whose response shows how deeply the impact of broadcast decisions resonates with those who care about the game.

“FC United will always stand up for the rights of supporters, volunteers, players, and clubs, and for the principles that make non-league football what it is – transparency, democracy, and safeguarding the identity and traditions of our game.”

READ MORE: FC United of Manchester opt out of ClubberTV streaming scheme supported by the Trident Leagues