Premier League points deduction row sees clubs in revolt but top bosses standing firm – The Mirror
Premier League chief Richard Masters is standing his ground over deducting points and sporting sanctions, as clubs push for a new “luxury tax” fine system – allowing billionaire’s to spend as they please
Premier League clubs are pushing to scrap points deductions in favour of a new “luxury tax” fine system.
Clubs are in discussions about changes to the current Profit and Sustainability Rules which have seen Everton and Nottingham Forest docked points for overspending. There are proposals to fine clubs for smaller breaches of the PSR limits but Premier League chiefs are adamant that sporting sanctions will and must remain in any new “levy mechanism.”
They believe not having any point deductions would allow billionaire owners to destroy the competitive nature of the Premier League and they say there is nothing in the current proposals to remove them completely.
Forest were docked four points, Everton lost six points and the Toffees are facing another punishment for a second breach of the current maximum losses of £35m-a-year or £105m over three years. But the clubs are in open revolt over PSR and it is having a huge knock-on effect for any potential financial deal with the EFL.
Premier League clubs insist they cannot agree to any deal with the EFL as it could cost them up to £9m-a-year each when they do not know their budgets because a new-look PSR system has yet to be agreed and it has the potential to eat into their £35m loss allowance.
Clubs fear that a strict cap on spending also has the potential to stop them attracting the biggest stars like Kylian Mbappe to the Premier League.
Everton have insisted they are building a new stadium while Forest spent big on new players in trying to stay in the Premier League. Manchester City have also taken a legal case against the Premier League over associated party agreements.
Top clubs like City and Newcastle have greater spending power and PSR was brought in to try and ensure the Premier League remains competitive but, having punished Forest and Everton, it is not just the Big Six who are being hit.
The “luxury tax” system is used in American sport – such as basketball and baseball – to punish teams who break the salary cap.
Fines would then be spread among the clubs who stay within the rules or be redistributed to the EFL.
They are also looking at increasing losses with inflation, squad cost ratio levels and any new system would have to “shadow” and run in line with the current PSR system for the first season until fully introduced.
The Premier League are in full consultation with the clubs and are under pressure to reach a new agreement by the end of the season so it can be voted in at the next shareholders’ Annual General Meeting.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter with the day’s key headlines and transfer news straight into your inbox
