Premier League keen to resolve EFL funding stalemate

The Premier League says it wants to reach agreement with the EFL over a new funding deal "as soon as possible".

A 10-year offer, that would mean the doubling of solidarity payments to the 72 EFL clubs, was presented to them last week.

After years of stalemate over the level of support the Premier League provides to the rest of the football pyramid, England's top-flight clubs agreed on a deal in late July.

However, the EFL is yet to accept the settlement, and talks remain ongoing.

The offer would provide an additional £1.8bn to EFL clubs, and is expected be funded partly by increasing the Premier League's transfer levy.

In a statement following a meeting of its clubs on Thursday, the Premier League said it had continued discussions regarding a new strategic partnership with the EFL.

"Since a fair and generous proposal was formally offered to the EFL last month, discussions have continued between the leagues' executives," the statement said.

"The Premier League remains committed to concluding a football-led solution as soon as possible so additional money can flow to EFL clubs this season."

That is a reference to the fact that if an agreement cannot be reached, a solution could be imposed by the Independent Football Regulator via its "backstop" powers, with the Premier League keen to avoid such an outcome.

The deal would require scrapping the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, and include controls to prevent the extra money from being spent on player wages.

The funding row has been rumbling on since a fan-led review in 2021, which was commissioned by the government following a number of crises in the sport, including the failed European Super League project and the collapse of Bury FC.

But no funding redistribution deal has been agreed amid disagreements over lucrative "parachute payments" to relegated clubs.

The EFL believes they distort competition and increase the risk of reckless spending by clubs desperate to reach the top flight, while the Premier League has said they are essential for clubs to have the confidence to invest, and provide the competition that ultimately generates the value that is shared with the lower leagues.

In March 2024, the Premier League was warned by government officials that if it and the EFL failed to agree a deal, one would be imposed on them.