Why Premier League big six's shameless 'project big picture' power grab is a threat to Sheffield United

And even as current members of the top flight, it should set alarm bells ringing amongst those who follow Sheffield United regularly too. The Blades, under the plans drawn up by Manchester United and Liverpool that were leaked to the Daily Telegraph, would forfeit any say or power of veto over certain new rule changes. Instead, a nine-club strong committee would be effectively formed, consisting of the nine longest-serving top-flight clubs; Liverpool, the Red Devils, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, West Ham United and Southampton. The agreement of six of those nine clubs would be all that is needed to make key decisions. Right now, 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs have to pass any motions, which is why the ludicrous seven-substitutions rule was scrapped this season. But make no mistake, that - and many more - will raise its head if the big clubs are effectively granted the power to vote in their interests, and their interests only. Can it really be any coincidence that the proposals were drawn up in 2017, the year that Leicester shocked the world and won the Premier League? It’s not so long ago that they, along with Manchester City, were playing in the third tier of English football. The chances of any EFL side living that dream would be dead under these proposals, but no-one can blame them by being seduced by the lure of cash in the present climate. The money to help them is clearly there. But the long-term cost of taking it under their plans, which also include reducing the Premier League to 18 teams and snatching away the play-off place for the sixth-placed team in the Championship, is surely too great? As a club currently in its third season of Premier League football since the mid-1990s, such proposals clearly would not favour United; nor anyone, in my mind, bar those who are already in the shop and want to put a big 'closed' sign on the door. What is being proposed in Project Big Picture and what could it mean? Project Big Picture, devised by Liverpool and Manchester United, advocates fundamental reform of the game - and would change football as we know it. The plans would see “big” clubs control the running of the top flight in return for redistributing greater funding down the football pyramid. EFL chairman Rick Parry has publicly endorsed the change which would involve Football League clubs taking 25% of future Premier League deals. That would see an end to parachute payments. These changes would be accompanied by further reforms shrinking the Premier League to 18 places, with the nine longest-serving top-flight clubs given preferential votes. There would only be two automatic promotion places from the Championship with the third, fourth and fifth-placed teams entering a play-off with the side that finishes 16th in the Premier League. It is also being proposed that the 60-year old League Cup, and the Community Shield, are scrapped. How would Project Big Picture distribute wealth further down the pyramid? Under the new proposals, the Premier League would grant the EFL an advanced £250m bailout. That would mean the EFL would collectively negotiate its broadcast deals with the Premier League going forward A further £100m would also be given to the FA, £55m of it to cover some of the governing body’s losses during the pandemic Once running costs were taken out, the EFL would then take a quarter share of future broadcasting revenues. In return, the top flight’s “long-term shareholders” would be afforded voting rights which would enable any six of them to pass and veto certain new rules. This, according to the EFL, would include the ability to approve TV deals and enforce changes to “cost control rules and regulations”. The clubs could also veto proposed new club owners and prevent changes to the current distribution of broadcast revenues. Which teams would currently count as long-term shareholders? Unsurprisingly, Manchester United and Liverpool would become part of a new-look elite, having played in the Premier League since its inception. Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton have also managed to remain in the Premier League since its 1992 beginning and would form part of the long-term shareholders. Manchester City Southampton and West Ham would complete the nine as the three longest-serving Premier League teams outside of the ‘big six’. Are Premier League and EFL clubs in agreement over Project Big Picture? Several reports suggest as many of 14 of the 20 top-flight clubs were unaware of Project Big Picture before it was leaked to the Daily Telegraph. Moreover, the league said the plan could have “a damaging impact on the whole game” and called for it to be discussed via “the proper channels”. There is also a feeling of disappointment from the majority of the Premier League with Parry’s public involvement in the plan – leaving many angry at the actions of the EFL chairman. However, a number of EFL clubs are said to be behind the initiative which could create conflict moving forward. What is the government saying about Project Big Picture? For months, the Premier League, EFL and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have been in negotiations for months over a potential £250m bailout of the structure following the financial impact of Covid-19 on football clubs. Indeed, a government spokesman on Sunday described Project Big Picture as a “backroom deal” that would “create a closed shop at the very top of the game”. What does EFL chairman Rick Parry have to say in defence of the proposal? “Project Big Picture provides a new beginning which will revitalise the football pyramid at all levels,” Parry said in defence of the plan. “This new beginning will reinvigorate clubs in the lower leagues and the communities in which they are based. “This is about building on what is good and making the most of what works well in order to benefit the game as a whole, while simultaneously tackling those issues which trouble all of us. “This is a blueprint for the future of English football and for everyone who cherishes it.” Responding to the government’s intervention, Parry said: “The merits of the idea still shine through. “It is absolutely about saving the pyramid. So I frankly find it really difficult to reconcile our thoughts on this with the government’s position. But it’s not going to deter us.” Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor