Premier League wants to introduce MID-GAME player interviews after trial with Bournemouth star – but top clubs oppose idea

According to The Daily Mail, the authorities are mulling over a new feature for its broadcasting package starting next season which will see players talking to the official broadcaster to share their insights on the live action. As part of a pilot project, the idea was first tested during Sky Sports' broadcast of Bournemouth’s 3-1 victory over Southampton.

As part of their innovative coverage, Sky conducted a pitchside interview with Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier. Substituted in the 76th minute, Tavernier shared his thoughts shortly after leaving the pitch. The interview provided an immediate post-substitution insight, allowing viewers to get a real-time sense of the player's emotions and analysis of the game.

The Premier League is consulting with all 20 clubs to gauge their interest and support for implementing this format as a standard part of matchday broadcasting. While some clubs are enthusiastic about the idea, particularly those in the lower half of the league who see it as a way to enhance engagement and exposure, not all teams are on board. The top clubs have reportedly expressed concerns as they believe that the potential drawbacks seem to outweigh the benefits.

Key concerns include player safety, the potential for distracting or compromising situations to arise, and the timing of interviews during high-stakes moments of the game. They are particularly wary of the possibility that players might unintentionally reveal sensitive tactical information or say something that could escalate tensions on or off the field.

Despite the concerns, the Premier League remains optimistic about the benefits of this initiative. The league's officials believe that mid-game interviews could enhance the viewing experience by providing real-time insights that were previously unavailable. The think tank wants to model it on motor racing’s pit lane interviews which provide immediate feedback from drivers and teams during races. The format has been credited with making broadcasts more dynamic and immersive, and the Premier League sees a similar opportunity for football.