Discussions are set to continue this week around the revolutionary plans contained within Project Big Picture.
The plans, which have been developed by Liverpool and Manchester United and are supported by EFL chairman Rick Parry, are highly controversial and if adopted would represent the most significant changes to the English football pyramid in over a quarter of a century.
Here the PA news agency takes a look at the key debates.
– What is being proposed?
EFL statement: Project Big Picture#EFL https://t.co/S88u1LDuJd
— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) October 11, 2020
PBP proposes to make immediate emergency funding of £250million available to EFL clubs starved of matchday income by the coronavirus pandemic and a further £100million to the Football Association. It also proposes a redrawing of the revenue distribution model under which the EFL would receive 25 per cent of future Premier League broadcast earnings.
It also proposes changes to the structure of the Premier League itself, both in the number of teams but also crucially how it is governed, concentrating power in the hands of the so-called ‘big six’.
– Why is Parry backing it?
Better funding and end of parachute payments are two big things that come from this plan. Positive changes. https://t.co/QAtZTRzRZG
— Dale Vince (@DaleVince) October 12, 2020
Aside from the immediate salvation the plan offers to his competition, he believes it reduces the gap between the Championship and the Premier League in terms of funding and will ensure the long-term sustainability of the EFL.
– Who else is behind it?
– What’s in it for them?
The big six would also stand to benefit most from proposals to sell eight matches a season direct to overseas fans, and from a reduction in the existing calendar to enable them to play more games in expanded European competitions and lucrative friendlies.
– What has the Premier League said?
The Premier League urges football’s stakeholders to work together for the good of the game
Statement: https://t.co/07F9hVHoR8 pic.twitter.com/l8WeHtIt9x
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 11, 2020
The Premier League has said the plans would have a “damaging impact” on the game, and has concerns that PBP would destroy the competitive nature of the league which has made it so attractive to broadcasters. It is also understood to have concerns over the revenue distribution model proposed by PBP.
– What have top-flight clubs said?
– What’s the position of the EFL clubs?
B teams would be with us in a heartbeat. The EFL would get 25% of the TV money but only after the best of all the games are taken away from TV to be streamed by the big clubs. And what’s to stop them changing the distribution methodology in future, to say 10%?
— Nicola Palios (@NicolaPalios) October 13, 2020
Many welcome the proposed change to the revenue share agreement but concerns have been expressed – publicly by Tranmere co-owner Nicola Palios – over how that can be set in stone when the Premier League’s biggest clubs would have control over matters concerning broadcast contracts. Privately, PBP sources accept ‘nothing is forever’ in terms of these agreements.
– What about the FA?
FA chairman Greg Clarke said on Tuesday: “Change must benefit clubs, fans and players; not just selective balance sheets”, calling for “unity, transparency and common purpose” to “override the interests of the few.”
– What does the Government say?
– When will this be resolved?
