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Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano has spoken about the possibility of Premier League clubs registering B-teams within the EFL.
The English football pyramid faces significant financial damage as Covid restrictions show no sign of being lifted, with clubs frustrated by the government’s inaction.
Talks are continuing between the EFL and the Premier League about a £ 250 million bailout, and that package is likely to include conditions. Some clubs fear that they will not be able to negotiate beyond this month if no agreement is reached on a package.
Soriano moved to discuss the implementation of top-flight B teams in the wake of those discussions, which will raise concern among clubs in the league.
“This crisis can be a good opportunity for different elements of the soccer business to come together and solve these problems,” Soriano said.
“There are other problems, for example the challenge of developing young players in England, where B teams are not allowed. We have a developmental gap of 17 or 18 year olds who do not find the right place to develop. Then, for example, they are taken by German teams trying to give them back to us at 10 times what they have paid.
“This is bad and something that we had to solve and perhaps now the crisis gives us the opportunity to push ourselves and unite to solve these problems.”
Clubs in the Premier League have the opportunity to present a U21 team in the EFL Trophy, but some seem to want to go one step further.
“You get good experiences from other parts of the world and you can do it,” added Soriano. ‘There may be opportunities to add more clubs to the pyramid. Look at places like the United States, where more and more franchises are being created.
‘I don’t know the answer, but maybe we should ask ourselves if we have enough clubs or do we have more. Or can we give more resources and opportunities to clubs that already exist and have a tradition to develop? Now is a good time to put all these questions on the table. ‘
Soriano also reflected Pep Guardiola’s criticism of City’s Premier League rivals for voting against the use of five substitutes this season, and suggested that the number of competitions needs to be reduced. City have won three consecutive Carabao Cup trophies since 2018.
“There is a real problem that clubs play too many games,” Soriano said.
“Some games must be played and we want them to be played because they excite the fans and generate income that fuels the whole part. Some other games do not add value and put players at risk.
“Player welfare has been a problem before Covid, now it is an extreme problem. I was very disappointed that the Premier League decided not to make five substitutions.
‘We need to solve the number of games, we need to solve the economic situation of the EFL so that the EFL clubs are sustainable. Now there is too much difference between the Championship and the Premier League. ‘
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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