The English Football League (EFL) has expressed its disappointment at the “repeated failure” of Premier League clubs to present a new funding offer for teams across its divisions, arguing it would have substantial benefits for the entire football pyramid.
The Athletic reported on Monday that England’s top flight sides once again failed to agree on a new funding package for the EFL, with club bosses too divided on the matter to even put it to a vote at an emergency meeting on Monday.
The league’s voting rules mandate a two-thirds majority for important decisions, typically meaning there must be an agreement between 14 out of the 20 clubs, though fewer can suffice in the presence of abstentions.
However, despite months of discussions and considerable pressure from the UK government, the clubs remain deeply divided regarding the level of generosity of the proposed “New Deal for Football,” the stipulated conditions, and the method of funding it.
The EFL board met on Thursday to discuss their position, and they said in a statement that “the lack of positive progress once again demonstrates how difficult an issue this is for football to address, without independent input”.
It read: “The EFL Board met today and considered its position in respect of recent discussions by Premier League clubs and is clearly disappointed at their repeated failure to put forward any new funding offer for EFL Clubs that would have significant benefits for the entire football pyramid.
“Over the last two years, following the recommendations of the Fan Led Review, the league and its clubs have been pushing for a new funding offer from the Premier League and remain ready and waiting to consider and conclude a new arrangement. While it has been expected on a number of occasions, the lack of positive progress once again demonstrates how difficult an issue this is for football to address, without independent input.
The EFL expressed their disappointment at the lack of a new funding package (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“Despite pressure from government, fans and united voices across the professional game, the latest development represents a further setback, and the league now awaits a formal update from the Premier League as to how it proposes to re-engage on its latest commitment to deliver ‘a sustainably funded financial agreement with the EFL’.
“The EFL has repeatedly said that financial redistribution coupled with enhanced cost controls are needed to help achieve its over-riding objective of making EFL clubs financially sustainable and competitive, so that they can continue to serve their supporters and communities long into the future, no matter what level of the pyramid they play in.
“The league eagerly anticipates the introduction of the Football Governance Bill given it is now more important than ever that the independent regulator is provided necessary powers to secure the long-term sustainability of the pyramid. We look forward to continuing further engagement with government and MPs and peers from all parties. In particular, it is really important that work commences on the much-needed State of the Game Review at the earliest possible opportunity as this will provide the objective basis for a sustainable football model.”
The Premier League’s board had hope sufficient progress had been made following a meeting on February 29 to present a comprehensive package at Monday’s assembly, aiming to garner the necessary backing.
However, it swiftly emerged that certain clubs advocate for the league to establish its own financial fair play (FFP) regulations before enforcing them on the wider football landscape. Additionally, some perceive the proposed deal as overly costly, while others simply do not prioritise this matter for the league.
Given the lack of consensus, the board postponed the vote, leaving the English football pyramid in a state of impasse, with no agreement reached.
(Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
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