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Arsene Wenger warned that a £ 250 million bailout will not save EFL clubs and says the problems are “much deeper” than the quick fix described in Project Big Picture.
The proposals, drawn up by Liverpool owners and backed by Manchester United, reveal a plan to reform the English game and place most of the power in the hands of the biggest clubs, ending the current system of one club and one. Premier League vote.
A spokesman for Boris Johnson condemned the plan as a “clandestine deal” that “undermines confidence in the governance of football,” while the Premier League said several of the proposals would have a “detrimental impact on the entire game.”
But EFL President Rick Parry backs the changes, which include lower league teams receiving a £ 250 million package, as well as 25 percent of the television deals negotiated by the Premier League.
He is expected to meet with Championship, League One and League Two clubs on Tuesday to explain in detail how he thinks Project Big Picture will affect them.
Former Arsenal manager Wenger, who is FIFA’s head of world football development, has questioned Parry’s claims that they provide “long-term sustainability” for the clubs under his jurisdiction.
“If nothing happens, the smaller clubs will die. I don’t think a payment will fix the problem. The problem runs much deeper than that,” Wenger said, speaking with Geoff Shreeves at a special event for Sky VIP clients on Monday.
“The money certainly has to be shared, the income of the best clubs must be shared a fraction more with the smaller clubs.”
Most top-level clubs have serious concerns about Project Big Picture, while the FA, which has the power to veto any fundamental changes to the Premier League thanks to ‘golden action’, is unlikely to back the proposals. in its current form.
Wenger insists that “tradition within the country cannot be completely ignored” and said the origins of the plans “will create a reluctance and a negative focus.”
“In general, the solution has to come from the federation, the government, the Premier League, to find a compromise to solve the problems that already existed before the coronavirus,” he said.
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Allardyce: Project Big Picture is ‘extremely dangerous’
Former England coach Sam Allardyce, who played and coached in all four divisions, warned that the proposals could prove “extremely dangerous” and provide even more authority to an already powerful big six.
He urged EFL clubs to resist the attractive prospect of an immediate £ 250 million bailout.
“It appears that the vote goes to nine of the longest-serving clubs and I think only nine of the longest-serving clubs voting on the future of football can be extremely dangerous,” Allardyce said. Sky Sports News.
“While this package may look attractive now because we are in the pandemic, and it may look pretty good for the EFL, but it certainly won’t look good for some of the Premier League clubs that are already there, one that is grappling with passing. from 20 to 18 (clubs) to start with and two that give the big six more power in voting rights.
“Several owners I’ve worked for have told me that they’ve had such issues for many years when they attended executive meetings at the end of the season that the big six really want more money, and more money for themselves, sadly.
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“I think we already have the richest league in the world, we already have the most competitive league in the world, and I think we can end up diluting it and not being such a big attraction around the world because if the big six tie even further then no there is competitive advantage against them.
“It’s the repetitive ‘who’s going to finish in the top six?’ It might even be going that way a little bit now, so we have to try to keep the advantage and keep the Premier League very, very competitive.”
While parts of the plan have been endorsed by Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince and Preston owner Peter Ridsdale’s advisor, the content of the plan has been widely reported by others in the game.
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Allardyce, while declining to be told if it constitutes a cynical ploy by heavy hitters, said any changes have to be appropriate for football in general and that he has concerns, especially about the lower divisions.
“I think it’s an extremely smart time, the timing is extremely good,” added Allardyce.
“But is this for the future of football, or is it just helping the big six? That’s the question everyone has to ask.”
“Of course money gives you power and the power is in the Premier League because it is the one with the most money. So far they have already dictated all the changes in football. Is this the correct football change for football in general?
“I am a football person. It runs through my veins, it runs in my blood. I have managed in all four divisions, including the Premier League, and I have played in all four divisions. I am very concerned about this pandemic as I do not have support from the government, how many of these league clubs will survive?
“While in the early stages you look at the £ 250 million bailout, it will be very attractive in the short term for football clubs to accept it, but you have to look to the long term future.”
Project Big Picture Q&A: A non-title or soccer future?
Project Big Picture has generated a mixed response throughout the game. Why does the EFL want it? Why is the Premier League worried? Who is driving the plan? What are the radical reforms? What has been the reaction?
Read the full feature here …
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