LONDON: Multiple media reports in the British media have emerged pointing to Liverpool and Manchester United backing a plan to revamp the Premier League’s structure, giving more power to the big clubs, reducing it to 18 teams from the earlier 20 and scrapping the League Cup.
The Telegraph said that the plans had been put together in a document called “Revitalisation” produced by Liverpool’s American owners Fenway Sports Group, with support from United’s Florida-based owners the Glazer family.
The plan allegedly calls for the nine clubs with the longest continued presence in the league to be given “long-term share-holder” status and the ability to make changes with the support of just six of the nine.
The League in a statement issued Sunday, urged the stakeholders to work together and slammed the revamp plan that was proposed.
“Football has many stakeholders, therefore this work should be carried out through the proper channels enabling all clubs and stakeholders the opportunity to contribute.” read the statement.
In the Premier League’s view, a number of the individual proposals in the plan published Saturday could have a damaging impact on the whole game and they were disappointed to see that Rick Parry, Chair of the EFL, has given his on-the-record support.
Full Premier League statement
We have seen media reports today (Sunday) regarding a plan to restructure football in this country.
English football is the world’s most watched, and has a vibrant, dynamic and competitive league structure that drives interest around the globe. To maintain this position, it is important that we all work together. Both the Premier League and The FA support a wide-ranging discussion on the future of the game, including its competition structures, calendar and overall financing particularly in light of the effects of COVID-19.
Football has many stakeholders, therefore this work should be carried out through the proper channels enabling all clubs and stakeholders the opportunity to contribute.
In the Premier League’s view, a number of the individual proposals in the plan published today could have a damaging impact on the whole game and we are disappointed to see that Rick Parry, Chair of the EFL, has given his on-the-record support.
The Premier League has been working in good faith with its clubs and the EFL to seek a resolution to the requirement for COVID-19 rescue funding. This work will continue.
DCMS: Proposals ‘deeply troubling’
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport released a statement on Sunday criticising the proposals, and accusing the Premier League’s biggest sides of trying to create a “closed shop”.
The statement read: “We are surprised and disappointed that at a time of crisis when we have urged the top tiers of professional football to come together and finalise a deal to help lower league clubs, there appear to be backroom deals being cooked up that would create a closed shop at the very top of the game.
“Sustainability, integrity and fair competition are absolutely paramount and anything that may undermine them is deeply troubling. Fans must be front of all our minds, and this shows why our fan-led review of football governance will be so critical.”
