This is extremely difficult to parse, there aren't enough details. Here's a take from a Guardian writer on it.
https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...all-pyramid-should-not-be-swept-off-the-table
I suppose one the best ways to analyze or evaluate this is by investigating who's in favour, and who isn't, because that's probably going to define who are the winners and losers.
- It appears some combination or all of the "big 6" clubs would be aligned on this, again the majority is that 6 of the 9 clubs with these enhanced "basically a supermajority" voting rights would be aligned on this.
- The EFL seems to be all-in to "right the wrongs" of 1990 and 92 negotiations where they gave up a share of PL profits - a decision that has haunted them for 25 years.
- The PL appears pretty adamantly opposed to this
- We haven't heard anything from the other PL clubs who are outside "the gang of 9" yet, to my knowledge
The Premier League:
Given that the Premier League seems to be opposed to it, there is plenty of of room to assume that this "top 6 voting group" are basically being given a "blank cheque" of (at this point) very vague privileges but one would assume that they would have almost total control of the PL in this deal. The PL would
essentially be this voting block of the 6 clubs for all intents and purposes.
The Top 6, or "Gang of 9":
This would pretty much consolidate much if not all the power to control in the Premier League to these 6-9 clubs. I suspect, they would, in effect become the de facto "Premier League." Almost certainly, one of the first items on the list would be distributing revenue based on league position, or European qualification. Now from a United and top 6 perspective, this is something we've wanted for a long time. If Real Madrid and Barcelona benefits from getting a greater proportion of La Liga revenue, that gives them a competitive advantage over the English clubs. This is the opportunity to even the playing field with the European giants.
It's also clear these teams want less games. Apparently UEFA is hatching something in 2024. This may be paving the path for that, I won't speculate on European Super League, etc. It could just be less congestion so teams can focus on Europe and minimize injuries.
The Summer Tournament thing is interesting, but again very vague. I suspect it's more about seeing and positioning based on the relative success of the Nations League, where friendlies are replaced by something competitive, because it's interesting and a money making opportunity because people actually want to watch it.
Premier League clubs outside the Gang of 9, and promoted clubs the future:
This is where things get interesting... So, essentially you'd see something where all championship clubs (and those below) would benefit from the revenue share (and bundled TV deals with the PL). However, the elimination pf the parachute payment would mean that promoted clubs have to be much more careful with their transfer activity when they come up, because if they go back down, the parachute payments won't be there. I suspect we'll see much more restrained spending sprees by promoted teams, and much more pronounced fire sales when teams go down. That playoff spot for 16th is added incentive for poorly run PL clubs to get their act together. Whoever is in 16th (let's assume 17th and 18th were promoted clubs), should have a distinct advantage over the Championship clubs. It could create a group of 15 -> 16 clubs that are essentially the PL mainstays. Supporters of teams that are perennially floating around the relegation zone have reason to be both extremely concerned, but perhaps also optimistic, because the pressure on those clubs to get their act together would incentivize those clubs to be competitive, avoid 17th and 18th at all costs and make sure you can win the playoff. Does it make the PL essentially an even more closed shop? Certainly it seems that way. Although, in all honesty, it's kind of a closed shop today, isn't it?
The EFL:
So this is a "rising tide raises all boats" moment. Collective TV bargaining alone could be a game changer. Nobody, from the Top 6, to the teams that flirt with relegation, to Championship promotion, to the smallest clubs in the EFL are going to benefit if this whole house of cards comes crashing down. The biggest clubs need to smaller clubs to continue to be a pipeline to produce new, affordable talent, and ensure that the pool of upcoming talent across all levels of football continue. It will be a PR nightmare if we see mass club liquidations and redundancies, as well. Again, this looks an opportunity to "right the wrongs" of some decisions made in the early 90's whose effects linger to this day.
Now of course, the Top 6, the "gang of 9", and the settled, consistent PL teams are going to take advantage and consolidate their power, and get what they want to, it's natural. Steve Parish has a point (although it's rather short sighted, in my opinion) that the Top 6 and the Premier League aren't obligated to bail out the EFL. If the top 6 decided to secede and start their own league, and extend 12 invitations to a closed league, keep all the money for themselves and let the EFL collapse - I'd wager not one single team in England would turn down the invite to join that league.
All in all, I kind of hope this gets pulled off in some form or fashion, provided the details continue to get worked out. It's important to preserve the EFL and it's in everyone's best self-interest from the biggest clubs to the smallest clubs.
By the way, I'm not going to defend the Glazers, I certainly have
quite a few complaints believe you me, but apparently Joel Glazer was pretty instrumental in figuring this out with Henry from Liverpool. It's common to take those criticisms and concerns over the top and buy into a narrative that these are evil, malevolent people. Some of you may truly believe that, and that's your right. If the alternative is watching mass liquidations and redundancies, and if you're like me, you know quite a few people who passionately support teams from the lower divisions, the thought of that coming to fruition is horrifying. We could lose something in this country that we'll never get back if that happens. The significant loss of the infrastructure that supports grass roots football and upcoming talent in this country will affect every level of football, from the Premier League to League 1, and the England, Welsh and Scottish national teams for decades if not a generation. If we are at a point that's a possible reality, which it seems like it could be, then I'm all in supporting this, and credit to Joel G. and Henry for this.
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