Manchester City is leading opposition to the Premier League's proposed £1.5 billion financial settlement plan intended to support the English Football League (EFL) over the next decade. The Premier League is expected to present the offer for a vote among its 20 clubs during a meeting scheduled for Thursday, with the aim of resolving the issue before the start of the upcoming season. However, Manchester City has reportedly prepared a counterproposal amid reservations regarding the financing of the package.
The plan, known as the New Deal for Football, would see the Premier League contribute an average of £150 million annually—double the length of a previous £750 million offer made in 2023—but Manchester City and several other prominent clubs in the so-called "big six" are reportedly uncomfortable with how the proposed funding would be generated. Specifically, the Premier League intends to increase the levy on transfer fees from 4% to 6%, a move that would disproportionately impact the higher-spending clubs.
While Manchester City’s stance is a significant hurdle for the plan's supporters, it remains unclear how many other top-tier clubs will align with City’s opposition. The Premier League has indicated it will only proceed with a formal ballot if it can secure the 14 votes necessary for approval, with insiders describing the executive leadership as cautiously optimistic despite facing internal resistance.
Manchester City’s opposition is occurring amid ongoing scrutiny; the club awaits the judgment of an independent tribunal following allegations of 115 financial fair play breaches. This controversy comes despite settling a prior legal dispute with the Premier League concerning associated party transaction rules last year. Additionally, City reportedly strained relations with other clubs after submitting a series of last-minute amendments to rule changes before the Premier League’s annual general meeting in June, which were overwhelmingly rejected by a 19-to-1 vote.
If the New Deal is approved and accepted by the EFL, an initial payment of £100 million would be made in the current season, with increasing sums distributed each year through to the 2035-36 season. The EFL’s chair, Rick Parry, has suggested the league may seek a more substantial offer, leaving uncertainty over the deal’s acceptance.
Distribution of the funds would allocate 80% to Championship clubs, 12% to League One, and 8% to League Two clubs, aiming to bolster financial stability across the divisions. Both Manchester City and the Premier League declined to comment on the ongoing discussions.