Premier League and Big Six near agreement over Super League fines
The Premier League and the Big Six were edging closer to an agreement over a punishment for the group’s attempts to join a breakaway European Super League on Tuesday night following what has been a ‘fraught process’.
Sportsmail understands that a fine is likely but that there have been occasionally heated discussions over the final figure, which will be millions, and where the money should go.
Sources have disclosed that the six — Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham — wanted a penalty similar to that handed down by UEFA last month.
The Big Six and the Premier League are close to a deal over their Super League punishment
Manchester United and Liverpool were both heavily involved in the Super League’s launch
That saw each fined around £1.5million, with the money going to children’s and grassroots football across Europe.
They also agreed to have five per cent of the revenues they would have received for UEFA club competitions for one season withheld, which represented a further £3.5m to £5.5m.
The foiled half-dozen are keen on a similar situation, with a section of the cash going to good causes rather than rival clubs, but a compromise is being sought.
At one point earlier this week, there were concerns that talks would collapse but there was a breakthrough on Tuesday amid hopes an agreement can be reached before this year’s annual meeting, which starts with a traditional evening meal at the Rudding Park Hotel and Spa in Harrogate on Wednesday night.
The 2021 annual meeting starts at the Rudding Park Hotel and Spa in Harrogate on Wednesday
Insiders have disclosed that some of the clubs outside the six, including West Ham and Wolves, have been vocal about potential punishments.
‘It has not been straightforward,’ one source explained.
‘The six want the UEFA-style punishment and at times it has been a fraught process which has been in danger of collapse. However, it looks like cooler heads have prevailed.’
