Premier League Clubs Backing Spending Cap Examination
A majority of Premier League clubs have given their backing to progressing with plans to examine a spending cap in the top flight. The intention is to keep the league competitive by preventing the richest clubs from dominating.
Details of the Proposal
- Clubs voted to progress to the final stages of a legal and economic analysis of anchoring.
- Anchoring would potentially limit expenditure on player wages, agents’ fees, and transfer amortisation costs.
- The cap would be set as a multiple of the central Premier League revenues going to the bottom club.
Clubs’ Stances
Manchester United and Manchester City are understood to have voted against the proposal. Aston Villa also reportedly voted against, while Chelsea abstained.
Obstacles and Concerns
Major obstacles include opposition from the Professional Footballers’ Association, which is against placing a ‘hard’ cap on player wages. Manchester United opposes anchoring, feeling it unfairly penalizes their success in generating large revenues.
Implementation and Impact
If approved, anchoring would be part of new squad cost control measures replacing existing regulations from the 2025-26 season. Clubs unanimously support squad spending caps linked to revenue as a key principle.
Future Steps
Rules on anchoring are set to be drafted and could be voted on at the league’s annual general meeting in June. The PFA’s approval is crucial to ensure the measures do not limit player earnings.
