TV selections for the penultimate weekend of the season (27 to the 29 April) will be confirmed on Wednesday 4 April following the upcoming Easter programme in order to ensure the most appropriate matches are picked for broadcast, with promotion and relegation battles still to be decided across the EFL.
The EFL has worked with Sky Sports to maintain a minimum five week commitment to the rescheduling of fixtures for TV selection throughout the season in order to ensure that supporters are given as much notice as possible with the average notification period for 2017/18 in excess of seven weeks (52.5 days).
However, given the significance of the matches taking place on the penultimate weekend, it is the view of both the EFL and its broadcast partner that it is not in the interests of the competition to broadcast matches that have no impact on the outstanding issues of the season.
Therefore, for this weekend only, the policy has been amended to ensure a minimum three weeks’ notice period is adhered to for the vacant TV slots scheduled for 7.45pm on Friday 27 April or 5.30pm on Saturday 28 April.
EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: “As a result of the many variables in play, the scheduling of fixtures for live television remains a challenge and whilst this will only affect a small number of Clubs and its fans, I would like to acknowledge our appreciation for the patience and understanding all have shown in this matter.”
Sky Sports Head of Football, Gary Hughes, said: “I’d like to thank the fans, the Clubs and the EFL for their flexibility in regard to the penultimate weekend. We continue to pride ourselves on providing the best possible coverage, which includes the most relevant matches for fans. We look forward to showcasing the end of another exciting EFL season exclusively live on Sky Sports.”