Scotland Fans Face TV Blackout for Nations League Matches Against Croatia and Portugal

Neither of Scotland‘s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures have been selected for live television broadcast, leaving fans facing a potential blackout for the matches against Croatia and Portugal. According to the current schedule, the Scottish national team will face Croatia in Zagreb this coming Saturday evening, followed by a matchup against Portugal in Glasgow the subsequent Tuesday night.

This situation mirrors the challenges encountered last month, during which no broadcaster initially secured the rights to screen the games. A late intervention by ITV eventually led to the matches being aired. As of now, no similar arrangements have been confirmed for the upcoming fixtures, raising concerns among fans eager to watch the games.

Viaplay, a Scandinavian streaming company, had previously held the rights to broadcast Scotland’s matches through 2028 but has since withdrawn from the British television market, citing financial difficulties. Viaplay announced that these upcoming matches will be available for free viewing on its YouTube channel, offering a digital alternative for supporters.

Regarding the prospects of a traditional television broadcast, negotiations with broadcasters such as ITV and STV have not reached fruition, thus leaving audiences reliant on internet streaming. This development marks a significant shift, as it is the first time a competitive Scotland national team game has not been aired on television since prior to the year 2000.

Meanwhile, Steve Clarke‘s side aims to improve their standing in the Nations League after suffering two defeats against Poland and Portugal last month. Fans will be hoping for a strong performance against both Croatia and the star-studded Portuguese squad, featuring athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva.

The issue of broadcasting rights for international sports events continues to be a complex arena, often influenced by last-minute deals and strategic media negotiations. The situation remains fluid, and any developments regarding the potential broadcast of the Scotland matches will be closely monitored by fans and stakeholders alike.