The upcoming Premier League rule changes are set to significantly boost the earnings of the ‘Big Six’ clubs. Presently, prize money distribution in the top-flight operates at a 1.6 to one ratio, with Manchester City pocketing £161.3 million as champions while relegated Southampton received £100.3 million last year.
However, a shift is on the horizon as club leaders are gearing up for a crucial meeting next Tuesday to deliberate and vote on the ‘New Deal For Football’. Historically, the Big Six teams—Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester City—have often clashed with the other 14 teams in the league.
Tensions are expected to escalate with confirmed alterations to the prize money allocation structure. The Daily Telegraph reports that the existing setup will be completely overhauled. Starting from 2025, a new 1.8 to one ratio will likely come into effect, potentially granting the Big Six tens of millions more in funding. These changes stem from the league’s increased revenue on an international scale and the Consumer Prices Index.
Insiders, however, claim that smaller teams will receive a more favorable share next season due to the UK’s high inflation rate. Nevertheless, they remain discontented with the superior treatment given to the Big Six, a topic slated for discussion during the upcoming meeting.
Disagreements also persist regarding the funding of the new solidarity system. While there’s a proposed extra £130 million payment to the lower leagues, the division of these costs among Premier League teams remains unresolved.
The rift between the Big Six and other Premier League clubs has been evident since the collapse of the European Super League endeavour. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has been a vocal opponent, criticizing the larger clubs for exerting more influence on football.
He voiced his concerns in April 2022, stating, “Most days it feels like someone, somewhere is trying to change the rules to disadvantage us. We’ve gone backwards. They’re still getting everything they want. There was a spirit of revolution but no one has even taken a penny off them.”
“For some bizarre reason, everyone feels intimidated by making any kind of positive change. We have to remember we all love football because teams like us can get here. You’ve got to have that, right?”
“It might not be ideal for what they want to sell for television but if clubs like us don’t make it then the broader interest starts to dry up. Maybe we’re all stupid. Maybe we all get up every day and it’s all a waste of time, we’re never going to win anything, you should stay in your place.”
“Well, I’m not going to do that. I don’t see the point. I don’t think other clubs should be prepared to do it either. It’s never-ending. It really does feel like you’re besieged. We’ve got a lot of battles coming up.”
Parish further expressed his refusal to conform to this status quo, emphasizing the ongoing battles smaller clubs face in this dynamic.
