Reports suggest that the Premier League is edging closer to finalizing a deal with the English Football League (EFL) worth approximately £900 million over a span of six years. These talks come as the government introduces an Independent Football Regulator, and the Premier League is eager to find a compromise rather than having a solution imposed upon them.
EFL chairman Rick Parry has previously voiced his desire for EFL clubs to receive a 25 percent share of the Premier League’s pooled broadcast money. However, it is now reported that the new proposal would grant clubs around 21 percent, which is still a significant increase compared to the current package.
The talks have gained momentum due to the poor league position of the three promoted clubs – Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton Town – who find themselves in the bottom three of the Premier League without a win. This highlights the evident gap between the Premier League and the Championship.
Furthermore, the EFL is keen to abolish parachute payments, although it is speculated that they will remain in a different form. This would mean that Leicester City, Leeds United, and Southampton would not have benefited from such payments if the deal were already in place. The aim is to reduce the gap between teams and create a more competitive league.
In response to the ongoing negotiations between the EFL and the Championship, the EFL issued a statement explaining that no agreement had been reached with the Premier League or its clubs. The EFL plans to engage in targeted consultations with smaller groups of clubs to gather additional viewpoints and details regarding the proposal. These inputs will inform ongoing discussions with the Premier League, as both parties aim for a prompt and satisfactory resolution to improve the financial stability of EFL clubs.
