It is no surprise to see the likes of Liverpool “digging in their heels” when it comes to negotiations over how much extra Premier League cash should be allocated to the EFL....CONTINUE READING
That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Merseysiders’ opposition to the so-called “New Deal for Football”.
The EFL wants an additional £250million-a-year in solidarity payments from the top flight as part of a shake-up of the English game’s financial structures.
But there is infighting within the Premier League over how this extra contribution should be funded.
Elite clubs believe it should be split evenly across all 20 teams, whereas the rest of the division insists that richer clubs should pay more.
The Daily Mail reported last Friday (23 September) that Premier League CEO Richard Masters has told the Government that formal talks have not even begun.
That is despite previous assurances that negotiations would be underway by the beginning of July.
Plumley claims that the obstinancy of the likes of Liverpool may mean we are still some way from a resolution.
“This comes back to the power dynamics in English football,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“This deal has been leaked but behind the scenes there is still a lot of negotiating and lobbying to be done on both sides.
“It stands to reason that th Big Six don’t want to give anything up lightly. That is why it is taking so long to reach a conclusion.
“Of course, you have got to get to a 14-club majority. If all six of the Big Six are dragging their heels puts a big dint in that.
“Even if all he reports begin to say it’s a done deal, it can take a little bit longer than we expect because it’s a complicated situation.“
