Key facts
- Manchester City is reportedly leading opposition to the Premier League's proposed £1.5bn financial settlement for the English Football League.
- The proposed deal would be spread over 10 years, with an initial £100m payment this season.
- City's counterproposal focuses on the funding mechanism, specifically increasing the transfer fee levy from 4% to 6%.
- Several other 'Big Six' clubs share concerns about how the package will be funded.
- The Premier League requires 14 out of 20 clubs to vote in favor for the proposal to pass.
Manchester City is reportedly spearheading opposition to the Premier League's proposed £1.5bn financial settlement for the English Football League (EFL). The plan, intended to be discussed and voted on by the 20 Premier League clubs, aims to resolve financial distribution issues before the season begins.
City has put forward a counterproposal, primarily focusing on the funding mechanism. The club is understood to be unhappy with the Premier League's suggestion to increase the levy on transfer fees from the current 4% to 6%. This increase would disproportionately affect the larger spending clubs.
While some of City's concerns are shared by other members of the 'Big Six' clubs, it remains unclear how many will back their rival's counterproposal. The Premier League is cautiously optimistic about securing the 14 votes needed for its offer to pass, which would be spread over 10 years and include an initial £100m payment this season.
The Premier League's offer has not significantly changed in value since a similar proposal in September 2023, but the duration has been doubled. The EFL, led by chair Rick Parry, is believed to be holding out for a larger deal. If approved, 80% of the funds would go to Championship clubs, with 12% to League One and 8% to League Two.