Reports surfaced yesterday that Liverpool and Manchester United were in talks to help out the clubs in the lower leagues, for a significant compensation in their status as one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, with a boost in the voting powers vested in them.
The proposed plan, first covered by The Telegraph suggests that a sum of £250 million will be given to the FA to financially help out the clubs suffering from a financial crisis in the lower leagues.
In addition, a sum of £100 million would be given to the Women’s Premier League so that a women’s league independent of the FA and the Premier League could be established.
Among the other changes proposed in the plans include the reduction of the Premier League teams from 20 to 18, which would see two teams from the third tier pushed out into non-league territory.
The League Cup, originally proposed to be written off, was later proposed to be held for teams that did not qualify for Europe, which seems like a brilliant idea in isolation.
Now, all the things mentioned above seem acceptable and even reasonable to a degree.
However, here is where things get complicated and slightly megalomaniacal.
The big six would be rewarded with a boost in voting powers, as talked about earlier, which would see only six of the big six, along with Everton, Southampton and West Ham needing to agree on something to make it a rule, or to make a change.
In addition, a fee cap of £20 would be applied for away fans attending a game. On top of that, the Championship playoff system would be modified to include the 16th placed team in the 18-team-PL fighting for their place in the playoffs with teams from the Championship, which doesn’t seem like too bad an idea.
The Premier League’s take
The proposed change could have made the six big clubs overly powerful in England.
However, the Premier League came out later in the day and declined the proposed change by Liverpool and Manchester United to the system.
Quoting the statement released by the League on their website:
“We have seen media reports today regarding a plan to restructure football in this country.”
“English football is the world’s most-watched, and has a vibrant, dynamic and competitive league structure that drives interest around the globe.”
“To maintain this position, it is important that we all work together.”
“Both the Premier League and The FA support a wide-ranging discussion on the future of the game, including its competition structures, calendar and overall financing particularly in light of the effects of COVID-19.”
“Football has many stakeholders, therefore this work should be carried out through the proper channels enabling all clubs and stakeholders the opportunity to contribute.”
“In the Premier League’s view, a number of the individual proposals in the plan published today could have a damaging impact on the whole game and we are disappointed to see that Rick Parry, Chair of the EFL, has given his on-the-record support.”
“The Premier League has been working in good faith with its clubs and the EFL to seek a resolution to the requirement for COVID-19 rescue funding.”
“This work will continue.”
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