Top clubs split over football’s New Deal

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs will vote tomorrow on a New Deal to pay out £836million to the EFL over the next five years — ahead of the arrival of the regulator.

A revised proposal, which will include an increased levy on transfers, also requires Championship clubs to commit to rules which state they can spend only 70 per cent of revenues on player costs. Whether the deal will attract the votes needed remains unclear.

Mail Sport understands a number of top-flight clubs have reservations over the deal, which would come on top of existing financial support to the wider game totalling £1.6bn.

Should the deal be given the green light, it would then go to the EFL for approval.

The new proposals would include £88m back payment for the current season, while the £836m is based on media revenues.

The top-flight are keen to agree a deal with the EFL before the arrival of the regulator, who could well side with those lower down the pyramid. Some have concerns that attempts could be made to renegotiate, even if a deal is agreed, and are hoping to make sure any proposals are long term, with a duration as farreaching as 20 years mentioned.

The transfer levy would be raised from four per cent to six per cent and then seven over the duration of the deal. Some believe that could make the Premier League less competitive and — coupled with current profit and sustainability rules — leave its status as the biggest league in Europe vulnerable.

Legislation is expected later this month. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has already warned of intervention should agreement remain elusive.