China blocks EPL broadcast for siding with Ukraine

China will block coverage in its territory of this weekend’s English Premier League (EPL) fixtures as Britain’s biggest clubs continue to demonstrate support for Ukraine.
The Premier League has expressed its intention to show solidarity with Ukraine in various ways across the 10-match programme.
This will start with Leicester City’s home clash against Leeds United in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Chinese rights holder iQIYI Sports had first reacted by refusing to show the matches.
And although the Premier League has declined to comment, there are indications the blackout is due to go ahead.
The move has been interpreted as a sign of China’s strong relationship with Russia.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the league’s Russian television deal with Rambler was “under review”.
He added it could be suspended or terminated soon.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Rights
Gov Radda pledges support for CGPP expansion in Katsina
Governor Dikko Radda has pledged maximum support for the expansion of the Save the Children’s Core Group Partners Project.

Sport
Five things to know about teams yet to concede any goal at 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup, with 48 teams participating, has seen teams show their defensive class, but only two teams have yet to be breached.

World
Thirteen people killed as Russia rained bombs on Kyiv, says Ukraine
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 74 missiles and 496 drones overnight, mainly targeting the capital.

Sport
Kings of assists in 2026 FIFA World Cup (Part 1)
FIFA has been recording assists since the 1966 World Cup. Brazil legend Pelé holds the 56-year-old record for the most assists in a single World Cup, with six.

Education
TVET reforms boosting technical college enrolment: NABTEB
NABTEB says Technical and Vocational Education and Training reforms are increasing enrolment in technical colleges nationwide.

Economy
Google projects $90 billion economic boost, unveils five AI initiatives for Africa
Google Cloud on Wednesday says its Johannesburg Cloud Region could generate an additional $90.6 billion in economic output and support nearly 315,000 jobs by 2030.






