BIG PICTURE SCRAPPED .. FOR A REVIEW
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have rejected Project Big Picture – but given the green light to a full review.
The 20 clubs met in a video conference yesterday for the first time since secret plans emerged about a Big Six power shift.
But the Premier League issued a statement that said: “Shareholders today unanimously agreed to work together as a 20-club collective on a strategic plan for the future structures and financing of English football.
“Premier League clubs also agreed Project Big Picture will not be endorsed by the Premier League, any of its clubs or the FA.”
It’s understood the proposals – spearheaded by Liverpool, Manchester United and EFL chairman Rick Parry – were rejected out of hand at the meeting, with other clubs furious.
They would have seen the Premier League reduced to 18 clubs, the Big Six would get more cash, more power and in return, the EFL would get a £250million bail-out plan.
But while the other clubs have effectively killed off that plan they are now ready to oversee a full strategy review with an acceptance there is a need for change.
They also agreed to make a new offer to the EFL as cash-strapped League One and League Two clubs are in serious danger of going out of business because of a financial crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
The EFL have rejected a £25m cash offer plus a loan while Premier League clubs have advanced a £125m solidarity payment.
But the English top flight will now look to make a fresh offer.
There is still major resistance about bailing out the Championship because they are direct competitors.
And that will remain a major sticking point – despite the government insisting that football must look after itself.
Liverpool and Manchester United together with Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal had held talks on the Project Big Picture plans and it is understood the anger was more directed at the negotiations being kept secret and also towards Parry.
One chief executive has said they understood Parry’s motives but they believed his plan and methods were flawed.
And with 14 votes needed to pass any motion, it was a non-starter. However, the review is now likely to look at the current TV deal, the share of cash and also how money is divided between the top-flight clubs and those down pyramid.