The argument for financial reform is at last beyond credible dispute as historic clubs face ruin owing to the Covid-19 crisis
Even before football was plunged into crisis by the Covid-19 pandemic, influential people in the game were discussing the need for the Premier League’s improbable fortunes to be shared more equally. As historic, stalwart lower-division and semi-professional clubs stare at ruin, and promised investment could drain from the grassroots, the argument is finally beyond credible dispute.
However the Premier League resolves its struggle to finish this season so that it can clutch the remainder of the TV money, it will still be a huge draw for broadcast billions when normal life finally returns. The pre-pandemic position, that the big clubs keep 93% of the current, 2019-22, £8.65bn TV deals, handing most of it to players in wages while trickling drops down for good works, does not look sustainable following the crisis.
Related: Two more Watford players isolate while UK quarantine rules may hit Uefa plans
Related: Manchester United warn of long-term economic effect of virus to clubs
Continue reading...