What is the "black-out" rule in football and is it lawful?

Article 48 of the UEFA Statutes, otherwise known as the “black-out rule”, exists to protect football fans and players from the effect of competing with live coverage of football games. The rule has been subject of much debate 1 since it was introduced, and it has been brought into focus again by over-the-top streaming service Eleven Sports (Eleven).

So what exactly does the regulation state and why is it in place? And does the rule still have a place in the modern game, or is the rule vulnerable to a challenge under competition law? This article examines:

• The legal basis of the rule, and the reasons for its introduction;

• Eleven’s arguments against the rule;

• Previous legal challenges and reviews of the rule; and

• The likely outcome of a future competition law challenge of the rule.