Premier League presses EFL to accept £1.8bn solidarity funding offer

Premier League urges swift deal amid regulator backstop threat

The Premier League says it wants to reach agreement with the EFL over a new funding deal "as soon as possible" after presenting a 10-year offer last week that would double solidarity payments to the 72 EFL clubs.

After years of stalemate over the level of support the top flight provides to the rest of the football pyramid, England’s top-flight clubs agreed a deal in late July. The offer would provide an additional £1.8bn to EFL clubs and is expected to be funded partly by increasing the Premier League’s transfer levy.

Following a meeting of its clubs on Thursday, the Premier League said discussions regarding a new strategic partnership with the EFL have continued.

"Since a fair and generous proposal was formally offered to the EFL last month, discussions have continued between the leagues’ executives," the statement said. "The Premier League remains committed to concluding a football-led solution as soon as possible so additional money can flow to EFL clubs this season."

The reference to a football-led solution is aimed at avoiding intervention by the Independent Football Regulator, which can impose a solution via its "backstop" powers if the leagues cannot agree.

What the deal would involve

The proposal would require scrapping the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final and include controls to prevent the extra money from being spent on player wages.

Background to the row

The funding row has been rumbling on since a fan-led review in 2021, commissioned by the government following crises including the failed European Super League project and the collapse of Bury FC. No redistribution deal has been agreed amid disagreements over lucrative parachute payments to relegated clubs.

The EFL believes parachute payments distort competition and increase the risk of reckless spending by clubs desperate to reach the top flight, while the Premier League says they are essential for clubs to have the confidence to invest, and provide the competition that ultimately generates the value shared with the lower leagues.

In March 2024, the Premier League was warned by government officials that if it and the EFL failed to agree a deal, one would be imposed on them. The EFL declined to comment on the latest Premier League statement.