Premier League slams ‘damaging’ revamp
PROPOSALS for a huge shake-up of English football which could provide a financial lifeline to the EFL, but see a major shift in power to the top flight’s big six teams, have been branded ‘damaging’ by the Premier League.
Among the controversial elements of ‘Project Big Picture’ are a reduction in the Premier League to 18 teams, the abolition of the League Cup and Community Shield and greater control given to Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham. In return, 25 per cent of the
Premier League’s annual income would go to EFL clubs. United and Liverpool are at the forefront of the plans, supported by EFL chairman Rick Parry.
‘In the Premier League’s view, a number of the individual proposals published today could have a damaging impact on the whole game and we are disappointed to see Rick Parry has given his on-the-record support,’ said a Premier League statement.
‘The Premier League has been working in good faith with its clubs and the EFL to seek a resolution to the requirement for rescue funding. Football has many stakeholders, therefore this work should be carried out through the proper channels enabling all clubs and stakeholders the opportunity to contribute.’
It is being proposed £250million would be paid up front to see EFL clubs through the current financial crisis, with a gift of £100m to sustain the Football Association. However, there would also be a revamp of the Premier League voting system, abolishing the threshold of 14 votes to pass a resolution, and the introduction of a relegation play-off for the 16th-placed club against teams in third, fourth and fifth in the Championship.
‘It’s definitely going to be challenging and it is an enormous change, so that won’t be without some pain,’ Parry said. ‘Do I genuinely think it’s for the greater good of the game as a whole? Absolutely. It is two of our great clubs showing leadership when it is needed, exercising great responsibility.’