The leading clubs in England’s Premier League have been thwarted in their attempt to secure a bigger share of overseas broadcasting agreements.
According to the FT, the six wealthiest clubs in the league – Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – wanted to change the current system, which sees the £3 billion received from the agreements spilt equally between the 20 clubs. In their view, 35% of the income should be distributed according to where a team finished in the league.
However, the body that runs the Premier League said there was no consensus for change and called off a meeting due to be held today (Wednesday, September 25) that would have voted on the proposal.
The FT notes that Premier League clubs already benefit from a £5.1 billion agreement with Sky and BT in which clubs that finish higher up the league or have more games broadcast on TV receive a greater share.
The Premier League’s decision to dismiss the suggestion from the six leading clubs has again raised fears that they could break away to form a breakaway European with top clubs on the continent.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph reports that three other Premier League clubs – Leicester City, Everton and West Ham – were also in favour of the change. However, to implement the change would have required the consent of 14 of the league’s 20 clubs.