Overview
- Friday’s shareholders’ ballot on new financial rules may not proceed, with sources indicating up to eight clubs now harbor reservations and any change requiring support from 14 teams.
- The anchoring proposal would cap total squad spending at five times the bottom club’s central broadcast and prize money, illustrated at roughly £550m using 2023–24 figures.
- Arsenal have softened their stance following the September departure of executive vice-chair Tim Lewis, removing a prominent internal advocate of the plan.
- Manchester United and Manchester City remain opposed, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe arguing the cap would weaken English clubs against Europe’s elite.
- The PFA and major agencies, including CAA Stellar and CAA Base, have threatened legal action, while the Premier League defends its consultation and says clubs will have the opportunity to vote later this month.