The English Premier League should vote in the coming weeks on a system that limits clubs’ spending based on the income of the bottom-placed team, writes the Daily Mail.
Both Manchester clubs are understood to be strongly opposed to the system, which would apply alongside existing squad cost ratio rules. They believe that such a move would deprive the Premier League of its status as the best in the world, which would lead to a mass exodus of the world’s top players. Some also warn that it would cause chaos in the Championship and make it even more difficult for the new premier leagues to survive.
“This will destroy the status of the best league in the world and all the money it brings. We feel like we are being led straight into disaster while we sleepwalk,” said one club executive.
The rumored rule would mean all clubs could spend a maximum of five times the amount paid to the last-placed team. That cost includes salaries of players and coaches, amortization of transfers and agents’ fees, reports Index.hr.
Based on figures from the 2023/24 season, the cap would be around £550m, with several teams at risk of breaching the rules. The proposal also provides for harsh penalties, deducting six points for a second violation, with additional points for larger violations.
Critics argue that English clubs would no longer be able to compete with the wages of European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern, which would encourage players such as Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah to leave. It could also increase the exodus of stars to Saudi Arabia, and over time could lead to less TV rights revenue.
The 25-page draft rules have already been sent to clubs, with a vote scheduled for a meeting on November 21. If more than two-thirds of the clubs support the proposal, the system would come into force as early as next season.
(Vijesti.ba)
