Armchair football fans without Sky or BT Sport could be able to watch some live matches on free-to-air TV, a minister has indicated.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said a loophole in licencing deals could allow free channels to show matches at 3pm on Saturdays.
The Cabinet Minister offered a fresh boost to supporters' hopes of seeing Premiership games even if they do not subscribe to the paid-for channels.
Broadcasters have previously been banned from screening matches kicking off at 3pm on Saturdays amid fears fans would opt to stay in and watch TV rather than attend a game.