Scottish FA Article 23 – Transmission of Matches/UEFA Article 48 – Blocked Hours Protection

The Scottish FA’s application for transmission free periods (“blocked hours”) for the football season 2023/24 pursuant to Article 48 of the UEFA Statutes has been confirmed by UEFA. The Scottish FA’s ‘blocked hours’ provision, under UEFA Article 28, covers Saturdays between 2.45pm and 5.15pm from 5 August 2023 to 11 May 2024 inclusively. The following Saturday’s are exceptions, and therefore not covered by the ‘blocked hours’ provision:

Saturday 9 September 2023 – Alloa involved in third round SPFL Trust Trophy – Available in the UK & Ireland if at home

Saturday 14 October 2023 – potentially fourth round of SPFL Trust Trophy – Available if at home

Saturday 18 November 2023 – Away to Edinburgh City – don’t offer streaming service

Saturday 6 January 2024 – Home to Edinburgh City – Available in Scotland (but not England)

Saturday 13 January 2024 – Away to Queen of the South – don’t offer streaming service

Saturday 23 March 2024 – Home to Queen of the South – Available in the UK & Ireland

In effect, the protection prohibits the transmission of matches within Scotland during the period of ‘blocked hours’.

Clubs are also advised that the English FA has also been granted ‘blocked hours’ protection pursuant to UEFA Article 48, prohibiting the transmission of matches within England on Saturday’s between 2.45pm and 5.15pm from 5 August 2023 to 20 April 2024 (excluding Saturday 9 September, 14 October, 18 November, 30 December 2023 and 13 January and 23 March 2024).

Clubs will still be able to transmit matches outside of the UK during the ‘blocked hours’ period.

Finally, under the terms of Scottish FA Article 23 (below), the Scottish FA Board continues to provide permission for clubs to transmit matches outwith the ‘blocked hours’ period in all competitions, except those already covered by specific broadcast agreements. The parameters for transmitting matches in competitions covered by specific broadcast arrangements will be confirmed directly by the competition organiser.

“A match played under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall not be transmitted in whole or in part, in any form, or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, recording, film,  video, over the air, via cable, via the Internet (including online streaming), via mobile telephones, on demand, or otherwise, except with the prior consent of the Board.  The Scottish FA shall retain all copyright and other intellectual property rights in matches in the Challenge Cup Competition and any other competitions played under the direct control of the Scottish FA.”

For the avoidance of doubt, clubs are reminded that they are not permitted to transmit their matches in Scotland or in England between the ‘blocked hours’ period of Saturday between 2.45pm and 5.15pm during the dates outlined above under the terms of UEFA Article 48.

Alloa Athletic’s new goalkeeper is 27 year old, Nigerian, Tochukwu Philip Ogayi

Ogayi’s last club was SV Tasmania Berlin but after travelling to Scotland for work he successfully trialled and won a contract with his new local team – the Wasps. He’s also played for SC Khakovka – a place recently in the news as the massive hydroelectric dam and power plant was destroyed and caused catastrophic flooding in war-torn southern Ukraine.

His debut came very quickly after international clearance was achieved with some impressive stops as Alloa ran out 3-1 winners over Stenhousemuir in Tuesday’s Viaplay Cup Group A match.

Looking forward to seeing more of ‘Toochi’ as we head on to our final game of the group and then league action.

We’re pleased to welcome Josh Debayo to the Wasps. The 26 year old defender signs after most recently having a spell at Queen of the South in 2022-23. He’s a former Fulham, Chelsea, Southampton and Leicester City youth with his first spells in senior football for Cheltenham Town and Dover Athletic.

He goes straight into the team for tonight’s game against Stirling!

Alloa Athletic can confirm that Mike Mulraney will stand down as club Chairman.  

He will be replaced as chairman by existing board director Andy Allan with the changeover effective from next Monday.

Mike, who has led Alloa Athletic since 2005, will remain an Honorary President of the club as he undertakes the duties as President of the Scottish FA.

 “Having been elected President of the Scottish FA, I felt that I could no longer offer Alloa the time and focus required of a chairman. It was always my intention to step down before the start of the new season if elected but it was imperative that the club found someone with the drive, expertise, and passion to take over and push the club forward.

“The club has such a person in Andy and I wish everyone at Alloa Athletic the very best for the future.” 

Andy, a qualified chartered accountant with 40 years’ experience, joined the board in August 2022 and looks forward to the challenge ahead.

“Firstly, I would like to thank Mike and the board for their support since I joined last year. We are all supportive of Mike’s decision, given the commitment required of a President of the Scottish FA.

“I look forward to leading the club forward off the field with the ongoing expertise of our board members and supporting Brian and his team meet our on-field objectives this season and beyond.”