The Premier League has confirmed intentions to lift the 3pm blackout next month in order to allow Manchester City's game with Leeds United to be shown on TV in the UK.
Introduced in the 1960s, the controversial blackout rule prevents live football from being shown on UK TV between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturday afternoons during the regular season, with exceptions for the FA Cup final and international break.
Recently the EFL has suggested that it would like the law scrapped permanently, but the Premier League is now seeking dispensation to drop it for the one-off broadcast of the City-Leeds game on Saturday, May 6.
The game, which could have huge implications at both ends of the table, is due to take place at 3pm and cannot be moved for a number of factors.
A Sunday kickoff is not possible due to City's participation in the Champions League on Tuesday, while an early kickoff would conflict with the Coronation of King Charles, and a late kickoff has been ruled out by Manchester police due to stretched resources.
A statement from the Premier League said: "The match will remain live on Sky Sports in the UK, subject to further consultation with relevant stakeholders.
"The usual Saturday 12:30 BST live broadcast slot has been avoided so as not to clash with the King's coronation, while a later kick-off is not possible due to police resourcing."
No games are due to be played in the EFL on May 6, with the final rounds of the Championship, League One and League Two due to take place on May 7 and 8.
Neil Wilkes
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