Premier League says it wants a ‘football‑led solution’ after EFL shown a £1.5bn‑plus proposal

League issued a statement after EFL clubs — including Wrexham, Swansea City, Cardiff City and Newport County — were presented with documents outlining a proposed "New Deal". The Premier League says it remains committed to concluding a football‑led solution that would allow additional funding to reach EFL clubs this season.

Documents seen by the Press Association and shared with EFL clubs describe increases in solidarity payments that would exceed £1.5 billion over the next ten years compared with current arrangements. The presentation to clubs also set out proposed changes to financial controls and safety nets.

Concrete elements included in the proposal

• Parachute payments: a pledge to reduce payments to relegated Premier League clubs by 5% over six years.
• Infrastructure allocation: a stipulation that 15% of any solidarity funding received by clubs must be spent on infrastructure projects.
• Lifeboat fund: the creation of a £20 million pot intended to support clubs that enter administration.
• Governance cooperation: anticipated closer working between the leagues on specific areas such as the Saturday 3pm broadcast blackout, the structure of the Carabao Cup, and the format of the EFL Trophy.

The IFR backstop warning and timing

EFL briefings to member clubs included guidance on what would happen if clubs chose to use the Independent Football Regulator's backstop powers rather than accept the offer. Those papers warned that a backstop procedure could take between one and two years to complete and that the outcome would be difficult to predict. The presentation also noted the IFR has clear objectives related to sustainability.

EFL representatives have already discussed the documents with Premier League executives and presented them to the 72 EFL clubs. EFL clubs are expected to meet again within the next fortnight to continue talks on the proposals. Both competitions are also aware that the IFR will publish a 'State of the Game' review next month, which will analyse football's financial health and assess the impact of parachute payments.

Clubs across the EFL face a choice: move forward with negotiations and accept a negotiated settlement that includes new conditions on spending and parachute payments, or pursue a regulatory resolution through the IFR, which the papers warned could take up to two years and carry uncertain results. The New Deal links higher solidarity payments with specific policy changes and protections intended to target infrastructure and provide emergency support for failing clubs.

• Expect more meetings between EFL clubs and the Premier League in the coming fortnight.
• The proposed funding increase is framed over a decade and comes with strings attached on spending and financial controls.
• Triggering the IFR backstop is presented as a slower, uncertain route, potentially delaying any new money for up to two years.
• Game review will be an important input into how both sides proceed.