Petition · Department for Culture, Media and Sport
All sporting events involving the English national team category A - free to air
Closed
89 signatures
What the petition asks
The government should legislate to require any sport events where any English national team team is participating to be classed as category A so that the public who have a TV licence are able to watch live broadcasting of it.
At present, we feel wealth dictates who can watch. Being able to watch the national team could increase pride in the nation.
Beyond enabling the public to watch, enjoy and support the English team live, this viewing could increase community wellbeing.
Being able to watch live sports events not only provides pleasure and excitement, but may foster community cohesion and participation in sport. The loss over time of having live free coverage, is taken as given and this should not be the case. This right should be returned through legislation.
Beyond enabling the public to watch, enjoy and support the English team live, this viewing could increase community wellbeing.
Being able to watch live sports events not only provides pleasure and excitement, but may foster community cohesion and participation in sport. The loss over time of having live free coverage, is taken as given and this should not be the case. This right should be returned through legislation.
Timeline
| 15 Aug 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 15 Feb 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
89
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Opened
15 Aug 2025
Closed
15 Feb 2026
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 14 Aug 2026.