Champions League final to be broadcast free on YouTube

The English broadcasters did the same thing last year, attracting 6.5million viewers across all platforms for the final between Juventus and Real Madrid, however with viewing figures up a reported 47% this year, they are expecting an even bigger audience on May 26.

This is, in part, due to the involvement of an English club in the final of the tournament. As well as broadcasting on YouTube, BT will give free access to the final on all their platforms.

Speaking after the decision was announced, BT consumer managing director Pete Oliver expressed his excitement for the final. "To have Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final is fantastic," he said.

"We have always said that we want to make top quality sport available to more people and so once again we will be making the UEFA Champions League final and the UEFA Europa League final available to all to watch online for free."

YouTube's head of sport, Tomos Grace, echoed Oliver's thoughts. "Football is by far the most popular sport on YouTube and it doesn't get more premium than the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League finals," he said.

"We are delighted to be partnering for the third year running with BT Sport to make these games available live to YouTube users across all of our platforms."