‘It was not a power grab’: Woodward rejects accusations

MANCHESTER United executive vicechairman Ed Woodward has rejected claims Project Big Picture was a power grab by the so-called Big Six.

The proposal, which was led by Man United and Liverpool, would have seen the league’s biggest clubs gain greater control when it came to voting rights, ending the ‘one club, one vote’ status quo.

The revolutionary plans also would have given the Big Six the option to increase their revenue by selling TV rights to certain matches outside of the league’s current ‘bundle’ system.

Woodward ( pictured), speaking to a Manchester United fans’ forum, argued the negative fall-out to the proposals, which were leaked in October, was unfair.

He said: “It is important to reflect that this was a work in progress. It was not a behind-closed-doors power grab, only draft proposals and a discussion document.

“The next step would have been to roll them out to all stakeholders in search of consensus.”

The project would have seen a £250 £250million package put to together to be shared throughout th the EFL, s something Woodward argued w was vital to the future of En English football.

J Just two days ago, the EFL received i a £250million bailout backed by the Premier League. Newcastle United fans have viewed Project Big Picture as an obstacle put in front of the Saudi-led consortium to buy the club with some supporters feeling the top six had an unfair influence on the process – something the Premier League denies.