China will cancel their English Premier League coverage due to support for Ukraine amid Russia attacks

Chinese rights holders have told the Premier League they will not broadcast EPL games this weekend because of the league’s planned display of support for Ukraine. China is a close political ally of Russia, the nation that has invaded Ukraine. China has denounced economic sanctions that have been imposed by the UK and the EU against Russia and blamed the US and its allies for provoking Moscow.

EPL clubs will observe a moment of reflection ahead of kick-off and captains will wear special blue and yellow armbands, representing the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Billboards and screens will also bear the message ‘Football Stands Together’ as the English game voices its opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine last Thursday.

In a statement confirming its measures, the Premier League wrote: “The Premier League and our clubs wholeheartedly reject Russia’s actions and will be showing support for the people of Ukraine at all matches this weekend. We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted.”