People are only just realising why 3pm became football's standard kick-off time The reason for English football matches often kicking off at a staple 3pm on Saturday afternoons actually dates back to an 18th-century law.
Matches across the country hear the referee’s whistle bellow come 3pm, and though the inability to broadcast these games at Premier League and EFL level in the UK is a contentious issue, the slot remains a historical part of the sport.
Jeff Stelling, who was a staple on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday for nearly 20 years, stands firmly in the remain camp and reacted angrily to a report from The Times that suggested it is 'unlikely' the rule will remain in place after the new deal expires post-2028/29 season.
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in a new 'lowest price' deal.
Beginning matches at 3pm left enough time for locals to finish work at 2pm and make the fixture, and also allowed the match to be completed in daylight during the winter months.
