A live-streaming scheme in non-league has caused a stir this week as FC United of Manchester hit out at the initiative, claiming that it undermines match-going fans
15:22, 14 Oct 2025
FC United of Manchester has issued a statement expressing their concern at the passing of a live-streaming scheme that "risks damaging" the non-league game. Across steps six and seven of the football league pyramid, an initiative was passed to live-stream over 100 matches across three non-league organisations and their feeder divisions.
FC United, a team founded in 2005 in light of the Glazer family's takeover of Manchester United, play in the Northern Premier League. On the pitch, they're led by former Chester City, Forest Green Rovers and Cambridge United striker Mark Beesley and are pushing for promotion back to the National League North.
However, this week they have highlighted their concern at a scheme launched by the Trident Leagues, which consist of the Southern, Northern Premier and Isthmian Leagues.
At the beginning of October, it was announced that over 100 games would be streamed across the three title divisions and their respective leagues between October 11 and the playoff final on the ClubberTV platform.
The offer extended to subscribers paying £12.99 for a weekly pass and £29.99 for a monthly pass, with the divisions looking to follow the National League in providing live-streams of matches outside of the television blackout.
UEFA's Article 48 restricts live coverage of matches in the United Kingdom between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on Saturdays but allows fixtures to be televised in midweek and before 2:45pm, typically in a 12:30pm time slot, and in the evening 5:30pm slot on weekends.
It's understood that clubs involved in the live-streaming of matches would receive a financial windfall from broadcasting their games, but would only be available for home clubs who could provide parameters to stream matches.
“We have chosen 11th October because it’s an international week, so UEFA Article 48 does not apply, and kick-offs do not have to be moved," a joint statement from the Trident leagues read.
“Each league has consulted with its member clubs, who have nominated midweek, other international break dates for streaming, along with some Saturday games which will see kick-off times moved – with the agreement of both clubs – to either Friday nights, Saturdays at 12:30pm or 5:30pm.
“We hope more clubs will opt into the programme once they see the immediate financial benefits and the other commercial opportunities from streaming overseas.
"The end-of-season play-off semis and promotion finals in each Step 3 division will also be live-streamed. It’s the first time that streaming has come to this level of the game, other than via the small number of clubs currently streaming their games, so we are all excited about the potential benefits to our clubs and the Leagues in terms of profile.”
On Monday, FC United confirmed that they had opted out of the move, receiving widespread support with their tweet garnering over 200,000 views.
In a statement issued on their website, they outlined the risks that the scheme has in damaging the non-league game and undermining match-going supporters.
"Non-league football is built on match-going supporters," it began. "Changing kick-off times to suit TV schedules undermines that and risks damaging the fabric of the game. It disrupts the routines and habits that generations of supporters have built around their local clubs — travelling together, meeting friends, and creating the atmosphere that defines non-league football.
"Moving fixtures in most cases will not help grow attendances; it will make it harder for home and travelling fans to attend, reduce volunteer participation, and impact players, sponsors, and the wider club community. It also affects bar and hospitality income — vital sources of revenue that help sustain clubs like ours.
"We are not opposed to live streaming or innovation in how the game is presented — when used appropriately, it can help raise the profile of clubs and attract new supporters. But any such development must support the matchday experience, not replace it. Football at this level relies on people turning up, not tuning in.
"Equally concerning is how this proposal has been handled. Clubs were not asked to approve or reject the Trident Leagues’ scheme through any formal process, nor given a meaningful opportunity to consider its implications. Decisions of this scale must be transparent, democratic, and made only with the clear consent of clubs.
"We would welcome an open and genuine discussion across all Trident Leagues about how live streaming could strengthen — rather than undermine — attendances, atmosphere, club identity, and the long-term sustainability of non-league football.
"Non-league football belongs to its supporters, players, volunteers, sponsors, and local communities — not to subscription platforms or shifting broadcast schedules."
The Northern Premier League issued a firm statement later that evening. Though not directly responding to FC United, the statement appeared to poke holes in their argument.
They hit back and claimed it is "disingenuous" to suggest that there was no consultation period. Their correspondence read: "The new initiative with ClubberTV to live stream games is opt-in - clubs will not be forced to move kick-off times or dates. It is up to the clubs themselves whether they want to move a game to be live streamed, and both clubs must be in agreement.
"On select weekends throughout the season when UEFA Article 48 does not apply, such as the weekend just gone, games can be live streamed at 3pm on Saturdays.
"It is disingenuous of clubs to suggest that there was no consultation. Three consultation surveys were undertaken with all members across the Trident Leagues.
"The League notes a statement by one member club that contains a number of detail inaccuracies.
"The NPL has not and will not force clubs to move Saturday kick-offs. This has been stressed in all written communication issued to clubs across the three separate consultations with member clubs.
"FA standardised rules also require the agreement of both clubs for a Saturday kick off time to be moved. So where one club doesn't wish to do so, there is no further action.
"Together with an assurance that the NPL would not force clubs to move Saturday kick-offs offs, this was made clear in the consultations which also included a 1-2-1 call with the complaining club. Whether or not a club opts into the scheme is a matter for them alone. All fixture changes must be approved by the Northern Premier League."