As Christmas draws near, Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay has renewed her call for Scotland’s national football games to be broadcast on free-to-view television. With the backing of politicians, supporters, and football fans across the country, Mackay is urging the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, to work with her to make this long-awaited goal a reality.
Mackay’s campaign, which has gained significant traction over the years, seeks to end the growing reliance on subscription streaming services or expensive pay-per-view channels to watch Scotland’s international matches. The issue, Mackay argues, is increasingly pushing fans away from the sport due to high costs, including ticket prices and streaming fees.
A Growing Demand for Free Football Coverage
The call to make Scotland’s football matches accessible to everyone has received widespread support. Mackay has highlighted the rising financial barriers faced by fans, particularly with the ongoing costs of both attending matches and subscribing to services that carry games. She believes that making the national team’s games available on free-to-view TV would not only help fans but also inspire the next generation of footballers across Scotland.
“I am glad that so many people have joined me in calling for Scotland’s international games to be shown live on free-to-view TV,” said Mackay in a recent statement. She also pointed to the positive impact of television coverage on women’s football, which has seen increased participation and viewership due to regular TV slots. Mackay argues that providing similar visibility for Scotland’s men’s national team would have a similar effect, helping to grow the sport’s popularity and accessibility.
Support from Politicians and Football Fans
Ian Murray, who has previously expressed his support for the idea, has been urged by Mackay to take immediate action. Back in 2016, Murray acknowledged the financial challenges of competing with broadcasters like BT and Sky but emphasized that an arrangement could be found to allow everyone to enjoy Scottish international sporting events. Now, with Mackay’s campaign gaining momentum, Murray’s backing could be the key to making free-to-view football a reality.
In her letter to the Secretary of State, Mackay urged him to engage with both campaigners and broadcasters to reach an agreement that would allow public broadcasters to share broadcasting rights alongside private companies like Sky, TNT, and Premier Sport. She suggested that listing Scotland’s national team games as “national events,” similar to the way the Scottish Cup Final and Euro matches are treated, would allow for this to happen.
The Benefits of Free-to-View Football
There’s more than just a desire for accessibility behind Mackay’s plea. Free-to-view football coverage could have long-lasting benefits for the sport in Scotland, particularly in terms of youth development. Many of the country’s top football stars grew up watching their heroes play on television, and Mackay believes this exposure could spark the dreams of young Scots to represent their country on the pitch.
Moreover, by ensuring football is accessible to a wider audience, Scotland could create a stronger, more inclusive football culture. For families and fans who may not be able to afford the high costs of ticketing or streaming subscriptions, free-to-view coverage would open up a world of football to them. This, in turn, could help strengthen community ties, build local support for clubs, and nurture a more passionate football following throughout the country.
The Road Ahead
Mackay’s campaign may be gaining steam, but the journey to securing free football on TV for Scotland’s international matches is far from over. However, with broad support from politicians and the public, there is hope that 2024 could be the year that Scottish football is truly made accessible to all.
As Christmas approaches, the gift of football for every fan across Scotland is something that could become a reality sooner than expected. With the right political will and continued public pressure, this Christmas could bring more than just festive cheer—it could bring football for all.
