Premier League clubs unanimously agreed on Wednesday to reject the radical “Project Big Picture” plan to restructure English football. Und...
Premier League clubs unanimously agreed on Wednesday to reject the radical “Project Big Picture” plan to restructure English football.
Under the controversial proposals, backed by Liverpool and Manchester United, the number of teams in the English top-flight would have been cut from 20 to 18 and the League Cup scrapped.
More power would have been handed to the biggest clubs in exchange for a hefty financial package and a greater share of broadcast revenues for the English Football League (EFL).
Although endorsed by the vast majority of EFL clubs, the plan drew criticism from the British government, the Football Association, the Premier League and fan groups.
“All 20 Premier League clubs today unanimously agreed that ‘Project Big Picture’ will not be endorsed or pursued by the Premier League, or the FA,” the Premier League said in a statement.
The Premier League shareholders agreed to work on a strategic plan for English football to “ensure a vibrant, competitive and sustainable football pyramid” and announced a rescue package.
Project Big Picture, championed by EFL chairman Rick Parry, was seen as a power grab from the Premier League’s “big six”, also including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
Those clubs and the three other longest-serving members of the top-tier – Everton, Southampton and West Ham – would...
