Premier League clubs to meet in February about EFL funding deal

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In June, MPs said the Premier League must agree on sharing more revenue with clubs down the football pyramid, or risk having a settlement forced upon it

By Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Premier League clubs will meet on 29 February to have another attempt at agreeing a funding deal for the English Football League (EFL).

Agreement over how the 'New Deal' should be financed has proved elusive over the past few months.

Some clubs have felt the 'bigger' members of the top flight should pay a greater percentage.

The overall sum, which will be partly tied to future TV revenues, is expected to be around £900m over six years.

There had also been disagreement over financial regulations to be implemented in the Championship.

There is no guarantee of a conclusion to the matter on 29 February and there is potential for a further meeting on 11 March should it be needed.

However, sources at a Premier League shareholders' meeting in London earlier this month expressed increased confidence over a positive outcome.

News of the short notice nature of the next meeting comes as the government prepares to publish legislation around the installation of an independent football regulator.

MPs had demanded a model be agreed or the top flight risked having a settlement forced on it.

A report by the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Select Committee in June said if no funding plan is reached soon, the government should bring forward a move to set up an independent football regulator (IREF) "to impose a deal".

The plan for a regulator, recommended by a fan-led review, has been confirmed by the government. It should ensure a fair distribution of money filters down from the Premier League.

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