Sports governing bodies and broadcasters request tax credits for women's sports coverage

Executives from the Football Association, Rugby Football Union, and England and Wales Cricket Board have joined leading broadcasters to petition the government for new tax incentives. The group sent a letter to chancellor John Healey on Friday seeking the expansion of the audio-visual expenditure credit scheme. This current tax relief program supports independent film and children’s television production. Representatives from 25 organizations, including Sky Sports, ITV, and YouTube, signed the request. The coalition argues that the move is necessary to support growing audience demand for women's sports programming. There is no immediate word from the government regarding potential changes to existing tax credit policies following this formal request.

• 8:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Broadcasters and governing bodies make tax plea for TV coverage of women’s sport