EFL Clubs to Vote on Scrapping Mandatory Matchday Programmes EFL Clubs to Vote on Scrapping Mandatory Matchday Programmes

EFL Clubs to Vote on Scrapping Mandatory Matchday Programmes

The English Football League (EFL) has announced that a vote to decide whether league clubs should have to continue to produce matchday programmes will take place at their summer AGM, with several clubs said to be keen to bring the tradition to an end in the name of cost-cutting.
Under EFL rules it is currently mandatory for all league clubs to produce a programme for every home game however, their popularity has lessened over recent years with the rise of alternative publications such as fanzines, social media and fan-operated websites heralding a change in matchday habits.

It is important to remember that although sales may be in decline, many fans still collect programmes and with little sign of the clubs or league asking supporters for their views it is important that those who disagree with the potential demise of programmes make their feelings herard.

The EFL have confirmed plans to a vote and said in a statement; "At its summer meeting in June 2018, the EFL will vote on a proposal that will determine whether or not it is an absolute requirement to produce a matchday programme from the start of the 2018/19 season onwards.

"A number of clubs have asked the EFL if the mandatory publication of a matchday programme can be addressed as a result of an overall decline in sales and the proliferation of digital and social media, which has the ability to deliver the same content in a more cost-effective manner.

"Irrespective of the outcome at June's AGM, the EFL will continue to produce a match programme for its five competition finals - the Carabao Cup, Checkatrade Trophy and Sky Bet Play-Offs."
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