WSL: Scheduling error prevents Arsenal-Everton match from being streamed live
- Published
Arsenal and Everton asked for Saturday's game to be brought forward to give more recovery time to players
A scheduling error has meant Arsenal's home game against Everton on Saturday at 14:00 GMT in the Women's Super League will not be streamed live.
WSL matches are usually available to watch for free on the Football Association's official streaming site.
The game was moved forward before the season started as both clubs are scheduled to play in next Wednesday's Women's League Cup.
But it meant the match clashes with the UK's Saturday afternoon blackout.
No football is allowed to be broadcast live in the UK between 14:45 and 17:15 (UK time) on Saturdays, so the game will now only be seen on screens after full-time. It will be shown live abroad.
In a statement on Wednesday, the FA said: "Due to Uefa's Article 48, Arsenal's home game against Everton will not be live on FA Player this week. The game will instead be available to watch on FA Player shortly after the conclusion of the match."
Before the start of the season, WSL clubs agree preferred kick-off times between them and notify the FA.
With both teams set to play next Wednesday, it is understood they made the decision to bring forward Saturday's meeting to give more recovery time to players.
After notifying the FA of their proposed date and kick-off, it is believed no issues regarding broadcast rights were raised initially.
However, when the issue became apparent, the clubs believed it was too late to move the kick-off time having already sold tickets, while fans had made plans to travel.
It is an oversight from all parties and some feel it could prompt further calls for NewCo - an independent group set to take over the WSL - to create a more centralised process when agreeing kick-off times and broadcast selections.
The current WSL broadcast deal between Sky Sports, BBC Sport and the FA is set to expire at the end of the season and one of NewCo's key priorities will be to negotiate a new one.