British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly called on TNT Sports to make the upcoming UEFA Champions League final freely available to viewers across the United Kingdom.His remarks come after the broadcaster decided to place the final behind a paywall for the first time in the competition’s 34-year history.The highly anticipated match will feature England’s Arsenal against France’s Paris Saint-Germain and is scheduled to take place in Budapest.

Starmer expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing that such a major sporting event should remain accessible to all football fans, not only those who can afford subscription services.

He emphasized that the Champions League final is traditionally a unifying moment where supporters from different clubs gather in homes and public venues to enjoy elite European football together.TNT Sports defended its decision, stating that fans can still watch the match through a subscription to HBO Max, priced at £4.99 per month, which also includes access to other UEFA club finals.The broadcaster described the package as affordable and offering strong value for money.

The debate has sparked wider discussion in the UK about the increasing commercialization of sports broadcasting and the gradual shift from free-to-air coverage to subscription-based platforms.Critics argue this trend risks excluding lower-income fans from major sporting moments.The issue has also emerged during a politically sensitive time for Starmer’s Labour Party, which has recently faced electoral setbacks.

Despite political pressure, Starmer’s public stance has resonated with many football supporters who believe major finals involving British clubs should remain widely accessible.