English Football on Brink of Chaos as Top Clubs Plot Breakaway

Strategic Insights -

The Football Association chairman, Greg Clarke, yesterday accused Liverpool and Manchester United of plotting a breakaway from the Premier League, amidst growing opposition from other top clubs. The tensions come as the Premier League clubs are set to converge on a video call today, in a bid to resolve the ongoing crisis surrounding the "Project Big Picture" agenda. At least 13 top-flight clubs are understood to be in opposition, including key clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Big Six" clubs (Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea) are being accused of plotting a breakaway from the Premier League, with some clubs expressing disinterest or opposition.
  • The Premier League will present its ongoing strategic review into competition structures, fixture scheduling, and central broadcast revenue distribution to the 20 clubs at the meeting.
  • FA chairman Greg Clarke has expressed concerns about the concentration of power and wealth among a few clubs, citing a "late spring" when talks turned to a breakaway league as a threat.
  • The FA has informed the clubs that it would exercise its power to license clubs playing in Uefa competitions, potentially blocking realists' Champions League participation.
  • 13 top-flight clubs, including major clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur, have expressed opposition to the "Project Big Picture" agenda.
  • At least one FA council member, Mark Palios, has warned that the plan could lead to the end of the traditional English football pyramid.
  • Lincoln City, a League One club, has also expressed doubts about the plan.
  • The Football Supporters' Association has described the plan as a "sugar-coated cyanide pill".
  • The plan's backers, including Liverpool and Manchester United, have been condemned by their own supporters' trusts.

Statistics:

  • At least 13 top-flight clubs (approximately 65%) are opposed to the "Project Big Picture" agenda.
  • 25% of all future Premier League and EFL broadcast earnings are proposed for top clubs under the plan.
  • The proposed breakaway league was reportedly first discussed in "late spring".
  • The Premier League has had the support of the FA chairman since the details of the project were revealed on Sunday.
  • The FA has provided a £250 million rescue coronavirus package for the English Football League.
  • The FA has also received a £100 million gift for the FA from the Premier League.

Sources:

  • The Daily Telegraph, Sunday
  • [The Football Association chairman Greg Clarke's letter to the FA council, dated "late spring"]
  • The Premier League
  • The FA
  • The Football Supporters' Association
  • The Telegraph
  • Rick Parry, EFL chairman
  • Mark Palios, former FA chief executive and current Tranmere Rovers owner
  • Lincoln City FC