Chelsea will no longer have to worry about swift turnarounds between Champions League and Premier League matches from next season, after it was confirmed that clubs included in European matches on Wednesday nights will be excluded from partaking in any 12.30pm kick-offs the subsequent Saturday.
BT Sport's Saturday fixture will take place at 7.45 pm, instead of the lunchtime kickoff whenever one of the teams concerned has played in Europe on the preceding Wednesday.
"BT Sport's Saturday game will move to a prime evening slot of 7.45 pm when teams involved have played in Europe on the prior Wednesday," a BT statement announced.
The news follows confirmation that the Premier League's TV deal with Amazon Prime, BT Sport, Sky Sports and BBC Sport has been extended for a further three years, until 2025, subject to government approval.
Richard Masters, the chief executive of the Premier League stated: "We would like to express our gratitude to our broadcast partners for their continued commitment to the Premier League and support for the football pyramid.
"Covid-19 has had a significant impact on football, and renewals with our UK broadcast partners will reduce uncertainty, generate stability and promote confidence within the football pyramid."
The Competition Act 1998 states that the TV rights should go on the market, enabling other companies to bid to broadcast games. However, due to the financial burden caused by the pandemic, the government has principally agreed to an exemption, permitting the Premier League to conclude renewals without being subject to the normal broadcast rights tender process.
