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Premier League clubs are prepared to bring up the failed European Super League plot at Tuesday’s crucial shareholders’ meeting as they look to put pressure on the so-called “big six” sides to contribute a greater share to the £130m rescue package for the wider pyramid.
In April 2021, six top English soccer teams – Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Manchester City – were involved in creating the European Super League. However, due to a strong backlash from fans, the plans fell apart within days.
The group known as the “other 14” believe that the proposed “New Deal for football” will result in a disproportionate financial burden for them compared to those with lower incomes. This deal aims to create a new distribution model for funds between the Premier League and EFL.
At Tuesday’s meeting, there is a growing desire to renegotiate this matter, as the 20 Premier League teams strive to pass a much-anticipated package within the broader sports community.
One possible change could be implementing a transfer fee. The possibility of the new independent regulating body enforcing these conditions on the league without any discussion is just one of the reasons causing increased tension. People are also surprised and upset by the harshness of the 10-point penalty given to Everton for violating profit and sustainability rules.
The recent developments have caused a shift in the conversation regarding divisions that haven’t been seen since the initial announcement of the European Super League. This has resulted in a divide between the traditional “big six” and the other teams.
The affluent community had previously united in their efforts to sway economic matters such as revenue distribution, but it became divided after the collapse of the European Super League.
Ironically, despite the Everton decision, it was the prolonged pace of the Manchester City case that shifted the dynamics of the game. Many teams in the league have been advocating for a resolution since February 2023 when the club was charged with 115 violations of financial regulations.
The Premier League has penalized Everton with a deduction of 10 points for violating their financial regulations.
During a time of intense emotions, it appeared that there was potential for a division between state-owned clubs and the remaining 18, as there has been widespread anger over the way in which Newcastle United was taken over by Saudi Arabia in 2021.
On Tuesday, another vote will occur to determine if there should be a speedy implementation of a prohibition on loans between affiliated clubs prior to the January transfer period.
This could potentially stop Ruben Neves from being transferred from Al Hilal to injury-plagued Newcastle. This is due to the fact that both clubs are primarily owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which raises concerns about the integrity of the sport.
The talks regarding the “New Deal” will temporarily divide clubs based on traditional factions. To capitalize on their stance, leaders of the “other 14” are ready to remind the top six teams about the Premier League’s leniency following the unsuccessful European Super League proposals.
At the time, the idea was to hold individuals accountable instead of penalizing entire clubs, despite the opportunity to make larger economic changes to the competition.
The ongoing investigation into Chelsea, in addition to the one involving City, further reinforces the sense of suspicion. City maintains their innocence.
An argument can be made that the current model seems to unfairly burden smaller clubs, making it a significant financial decision, similar to the European Super League.
Source: independent.co.uk
