Manchester City are leading the opposition to the Premier League's plans to offer £1.5bn to the English Football League in a landmark financial settlement. The proposal, which would be spread over 10 years, has been met with concerns from City and other big-spending clubs over how the package will be funded.
What happened?
The Premier League wants to put its proposed offer to a vote in the hope of getting the matter resolved before the start of the season. However, City are understood to have come up with a counterproposal amid concerns about how the package will be funded.
Why it matters for Manchester City
City remain short of allies within the top flight as they wait for the much-anticipated judgment of an independent tribunal after being charged with 115 breaches of financial fair play rules. The club's misgivings are shared by other members of the so-called big six, who will be asked to pay more than other Premier League clubs towards the New Deal for Football.
What comes next?
The Premier League will only ballot clubs on Thursday if it is confident of getting the 14 votes required for the proposal to pass. At an average of £150m a year, the Premier League's proposed contribution has not altered significantly since a similar offer of £750m over five years was put forward in September 2023.
Manchester City are currently 7 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race, with 77 goals scored and 35 conceded this season. The club's recent form has been a concern, with a loss to Aston Villa on May 24 and a draw with Liverpool on July 17. Rodri is currently sidelined due to injury.
The Premier League's proposed contribution would be spread over 10 years, with an initial payment of £100m made this season. Larger contributions would be made in subsequent years until the 2035-36 season. However, it is unclear whether the EFL would accept the Premier League's first offer, with its chair, Rick Parry, believed to be holding out for a bigger deal.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Premier League, 78 pts, 23W-9D-6L from 38 games, recent form LDWWD. Goals this season: 77 scored, 35 conceded (+42 goal difference). Title race: 7 points behind leaders Arsenal. Last result: Manchester City 1-2 Aston Villa (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 1W-2D-2L (LLDDW, most recent first); lost the last 2. Next fixture: vs Coventry (at home, 2026-09-05). Currently sidelined: Rodri.
