Champions League matches could soon be broadcast for FREE with talks 'very close to being finalised'

Champions League, Europa League and Conference League football could soon be free to view for fans worldwide if a radical proposal from Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez becomes reality.

On the evening of May 12, a truly shocking and controversial press conference took place, with Real Madrid president Perez confirming that the club elections would now be held three years earlier than needed.

The decision came after the Spanish giants failed to win a trophy for the second consecutive year.

With the new election, Real Madrid fans will be able to vote on whether they want the 79-year-old to continue leading the club in the near future – a decision that may impact football fans across the world.

That's because part of Perez's plans could see the current television model radically changed.

As reported by Spanish outlet Voz Populi, Perez believes that football should be free to view, “just like what happened with the Club World Cup last summer," prompting conversations about other major competitions.

The outlet also claims that, as part of these conversations, a deal that would see European football competitions shown on free-to-air television is 'very close to being finalised'.

It adds that as part of the negotiations, which are being led by Anas Laghrari, Perez's chief advisor, Real Madrid have agreed to suspend its multi-billion euro claim against UEFA for its actions against the Super League, as long as a new television model is agreed.

Laghrari is reportedly suggesting that the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League be shown on a new free digital streaming service that would use integrated advertising instead of a subscription fee.

However, the outlet adds that sources in the telecommunications sector called Perez's claim "empty promises," stating that he is simply trying to be re-elected.

Champions League will not be available to watch for free in the UK for the first time

The news comes as it was confirmed that, for the first time since the competition’s modern rebrand 34 years ago, all three UEFA European finals will not be free to watch in the UK this year.

Instead, fans of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace will have to have a TNT Sports subscription if they plan to watch their teams compete in the Champions, Europa and Conference league finals.

Since TNT first acquired UEFA rights in the 2015-16 season, under their former name BT Sport, the Champions League and Europa League have been streamed live for free on TV and YouTube.

But this year, the broadcaster has instead decided to restrict access to customers and subscribers to its streaming platform, HBO Max.

According to The Guardian, TNT Sport’s decision has caused frustration at UEFA, with sources stating that the move breaks the spirit of a contract that states “best endeavours” should be be in place to have the finals shown for free.

TNT Sports will lose the rights to all three competitions from the 2027-28 season, with Paramount taking the Champions League while Sky Sports will show the other two after outbidding their fellow broadcaster in a rights auction last year.

SPORTbible have reached out to UEFA and TNT Sports for comment.