Premier League says some of the proposals “could have a damaging impact on the whole game” and are “disappointed” by EFL chairman Rick Parry’s public support for them.

A proposal to change the voting structure of the Premier League, as well as funding models for the English Football League and Football Association, has been drawn up by Liverpool’s owners and is backed by Manchester United.

The proposal – called ‘Project Big Picture’ – includes several other major changes to the structure of English football, including a reduction from 20 to 18 teams in the Premier League and the scrapping of the EFL Cup and Community Shield. The Premier League issued a statement shortly after the plans were first reported by the Daily Telegraph on Sunday, saying “a number of the individual proposals in the plan published today could have a damaging impact on the whole game”.

nitial talks between Liverpool, United and the other “big six” clubs – Manchester City, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea – have taken place, with hope an agreement can be reached.

The reform plan, drawn up by Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, was started in 2017 and is seen as a radical change to football governance. It has been accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic due to the financial situation facing many EFL clubs.

One of the most appealing parts for some EFL clubs may be 25 per cent of all combined Premier League and EFL revenues going to them, with an advance of up to £250m being made available early to help during the pandemic.

Source: Skysports