ALL 20 CHAIRMEN of the current Premier League clubs have met to discuss a number of new proposals, including the introduction of a salary cap.
Many are concerned with the issue of teams operating at a loss, and Premier League outfits have shown an interest in introducing a similar framework to UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulation.
At least 14 votes are needed for any motion, which includes wage restraints and contract guarantees, to be passed.
FFP regulations are intended to ensure that all clubs break even, and Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes this eventual aim appeal to all top-flight sides.
I really think every club in the Premier League has this desire to break even at least,” Whelan told Sky Sports News.
Although an outright salary cap is expected to be legally unviable, wage restraint would limit the percentage any club can add to their annual wage bill.
The idea behind Contract Guarantees is that any outgoing chairman would have to continue to pay the wages of any highly paid players signed under their tenure, in an effort to avoid owners simply bailing out after creating untenable expenditure at a club.
“There have been no decisions made,” said West Ham co-owner David Gold.
“The debate carries on. I am hoping that we can come to some conclusions for the best interest of the football clubs and the league as whole, hopefully before the start of next season.”
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins was also confident of getting an agreement.
I think we will get a consensus on this,” Jenkins said, adding: “Over the next few months we should get something in place.
“The main issue is that in the present economic climate, we as a league, portray the right image and make sure that everyone involved in football is looking after the supporters and making sure everything is kept under control and is run in the right manner.”
Additional reporting from AFP
The gulf is massive. Hardly surprising.