New proposals to restrict squad expenses in the Premier League have allegedly been strongly opposed by Manchester United.
The 'anchoring' system has been tabled as a fresh alternative to the current model as clubs in the English top vote prepare to take a vote on Monday. And the new concept would see teams limited on how much they can spend on player expenses based on a calculation taking into account the lowest earners from the Premier League's broadcast and commercial deals.
The Athletic reported United, rivals Manchester City and Chelsea are among those who have raised concerns with the new model. However, it's been suggested the number of clubs opposed to the current proposals is growing.
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Per the anchoring proposition, clubs would be permitted to spend 4.5 times the smallest amount any Premier League team earns from the centralised broadcast and commercial agreement. However, it's since been suggested that figure could grow to five times following push-back from some clubs.
Going by last season's figures, that would have meant the maximum any club could spend on 'squad cost' would have been £518million, which is five times the £103.6m Southampton earned from the broadcast and commercial deals. As well as wage expenses, clubs also have to account for amortised transfer fees and agents' fees in the 'squad cost'.
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It's understood Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS team - which completed a deal to purchase 25% of United earlier this year - is spearheading defiance against the changes. Ratcliffe is approaching his first summer in charge at Old Trafford and will want as much freedom as possible to remodel the squad as he sees fit.
Premier League clubs are in agreement that the current Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) - which has seen the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest suffer points deductions this term - need to be overhauled. One proposed change is a 'luxury tax' that could see richer clubs avoid being docked points in favour of fines - though it's believed points deductions would remain as a punishment in some capacity to deter spending beyond one's means.
The Premier League would require a two-thirds majority (14 of 20 clubs) to approve any changes. Clubs are due to meet Thursday to discuss the matter before a vote is due to be taken on Monday (April 29).
