Pranav Nair
Manchester United set to go ahead with Project Big Picture
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United remain determined to go ahead with ‘Project Big Picture’ despite criticism and opposition from various quarters.
Although Liverpool are our biggest rivals, both clubs are leading the crusade to bring about a radical restructuring of the footballing pyramid.
Implementation of the proposals would see the size of the Premier League reduced. The likes of the Government, Premier League’s top executive and a spate of clubs are all opposed to the proposal.
The Premier League clubs opposing to the proposal will not be deterred by the chaos that has engulfed them since their controversial plans were leaked. They will outline their case at an emergency meeting of the 20 clubs later this week.
According to the report, Joel Glazer held crisis talks with Liverpool owner John Henry on Monday. The duo discussed how to take their project forward in the face of mounting opposition.
Both of them continue to push for an 18-team top flight. Their defence rests on ensuring a less taxing schedule for teams competing in an expanded Champions League.
A divided league
Another point of contention will be the disparity in broadcast revenue. It will see the top six sides pocket the majority of the amount, solidifying their hold on the league.
If implemented, it would affect the next round of television contracts at the beginning of the 2022/23 season.
The Americans are committed to increasing the top flight’s financial contribution to the lower divisions to around £700million a year. They have also promised a £250m Covid-19 bailout package that has been enough to secure the support of EFL chairman Rick Parry.
Liverpool and United were willing to publicly endorse the plans. Eight clubs are in opposition while 10 refused to comment.
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Meanwhile, the FA are ready to use the so-called ‘golden share’ to block the changes. While the proposals will give us an effective hold on the rest of the league, it does appear to break the prospect of fair competition.
It would be a case of the rich getting richer while the rest are left to pick up the scraps. It remains to be seen if England’s two biggest clubs can sway opinion in their favour in the coming weeks.
