UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly urged broadcaster TNT Sports to make the upcoming UEFA Champions League final available for free to viewers across the United Kingdom.

The final, set to feature England’s Arsenal against France’s Paris Saint-Germain and scheduled to take place in Budapest, has sparked debate after it was announced that, for the first time in 34 years of the competition, UK fans would need a paid subscription to watch the match.

Starmer expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing that such a major sporting event should be accessible to all football supporters, not only paying customers.

Speaking on Saturday, Starmer said the Champions League final is more than just a match for fans of the two clubs involved, stressing that it brings together supporters of all teams in homes, pubs, and communities across the country to enjoy elite European football.His remarks come amid broader discussions about sports broadcasting rights and affordability for viewers in the UK.TNT Sports responded by stating that the match would be available through a £4.99 monthly subscription to the HBO Max service, which would also include access to other UEFA club finals.The broadcaster defended the offer as providing good value for money.However, the move has still drawn criticism from those who believe such high-profile fixtures should remain free-to-air.

Starmer, who is known to support Arsenal, has also recently celebrated the club’s success in the English Premier League, adding a personal dimension to his comments on the issue.The debate continues to highlight tensions between commercial broadcasting rights and public access to major sporting events in the UK.