Financial Fair Play to be implemented in the Premier League

Chelsea Directors Ron Gourlay (L) and Bruce Buck

The chairmen of the 20 teams of the Premier League teams will have a meeting to discuss the implementation of the Financial Fair Play (FFP) deal.

It is believed that Chelsea may back the top flight cap on salary increases and a  compromised FFP deal. Earlier, Chelsea was expected to oppose the FFP plans. But now the club might actually agree to the FFP deal, which will allow teams to break even, but will allow owners to cover some losses.

Teams like Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are very likely to oppose allowing wealthy owners to underwrite any losses, but may have to settle for a compromise, which would allow underwriting upto £105 million over three years.

Those opposing the FFP say that the situation would remain the same and would only favour the clubs with large stadiums and significant commercial incomes. Manchester City, Fulham and West Brom are teams which oppose the FFP deal.

If Chelsea do favour the deal, that would meet the 14 out of 20 vote margin. Sources say that only clubs with a total bill that is higher than £52 million will be affected. This would mean that promoted sides will not be restricted from improving their sides, and it also unlikely that any restrictions would put on clubs spending money they earned from sponsorship deals.

It is believed that the Premier League FFP is not as stringent as the UEFA’s FFP deal, which will be introduced from the next season onwards. Clubs are expected to break even or will face possible exclusion from European competitions.

Source- ESPN Soccernet