Premiership clubs cash in online

First published 20.8.2001

Premiership football clubs are set to earn even more money from their legions of fans by charging for access to websites showing match footage.

New TV rights mean that as of this season Premiership clubs can show delayed footage of their league matches online, and the three biggest clubs, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, are all set to make the most of their licence to print money by charging fans for access to their online offerings - with other clubs likely to follow suit.

Arsenal fans will shell out £13 per quarter to watch goals, highlights and key footage from their team's matches. Liverpool and Manchester United are yet to announce the financial details of their schemes.

The most lucrative aspect of the service, particularly for Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, will be the opportunity to cash in on large overseas fanbases, most notably in the Far East - where both northern clubs spent much of their pre-season.

Arsenal also consolidated their overseas support with the signing of Japanese midfielder Inamoto over the summer, who should ensure plenty of subscriptions in his home country despite the fact he is unlikely to play for the Gunners.