Premier League clubs will take a vote on the ‘New Deal for Football’ when there is clarity over what the new financial restrictions in English football’s top tier will be.
Premier League clubs are reportedly awaiting clarity over what the new financial restrictions will be before taking a vote on the ‘New Deal for Football’ amid disappointment from the English Football League.
Top-flight clubs met on Monday to discuss a £900million deal that would see more money filter through the English football pyramid from the top tier and down the EFL. The hope was that the agreement would bring to an end the long-running saga ahead of the new regulators arrival.
But reports claim that as many as 10 clubs considered ditching the plans as the vote didn’t take place. It was suggested that some were considering legal action over any possible deal imposed by the soon-to-be football regulator.
Liverpool were named among the football clubs said to have rejected the notion, according to the Daily Mail, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Aston Villa, Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth in question.
There were also talks focused on new financial regulations, which would replace the current profit and sustainability rules (PSR), following criticism aimed at the current directive. Premier League are said to be looking at a model in line with UEFA’s squad cost ration, where spend on transfers and wages against revenue is assessed as a percentage.
Mirror Football reported that clubs have opposed to voting without the new framework in place to replace PSR, it has been suggested that no such vote took place because member clubs felt it is important to know what the new regulations will be before agreeing to any deal.
Legal action against the possibility of government intervention was aso rejected, with a number of clubs believed to be concerned at voting without relevant information. Sources told Mirror Football that a willingness remains to agree a deal.
In response to failed discussions with the Premier League, the English Football League (EFL) issued a strong statement. They wrote: “The EFL Board met today and considered its position in respect of recent discussions by Premier League Clubs and is clearly disappointed at their repeated failure to put forward any new funding offer for EFL Clubs that would have significant benefits for the entire football pyramid.
“Over the last two years, following the recommendations of the Fan Led Review, the League and its Clubs have been pushing for a new funding offer from the Premier League and remain ready and waiting to consider and conclude a new arrangement. Whilst it has been expected on a number of occasions, the lack of positive progress once again demonstrates how difficult an issue this is for football to address, without independent input.
“Despite pressure from Government, fans and united voices across the professional game, the latest development represents a further setback, and the League now awaits a formal update from the Premier League as to how it proposes to re-engage on its latest commitment to deliver “a sustainably funded financial agreement with the EFL.
“The EFL has repeatedly said that financial redistribution coupled with enhanced cost controls are needed to help achieve its over-riding objective of making EFL clubs financially sustainable and competitive, so that they can continue to serve their supporters and communities long into the future, no matter what level of the pyramid they play in.
“The League eagerly anticipates the introduction of the Football Governance Bill given it is now more important than ever that the Independent Regulator is provided necessary powers to secure the long-term sustainability of the pyramid.
“We look forward to continuing further engagement with Government and MPs and Peers from all parties. In particular, it is really important that work commences on the much-needed State of the Game Review at the earliest possible opportunity as this will provide the objective basis for a sustainable football model.”
