Premier League clubs hoping to change
£60million relegation parachute payments to be paid over two years instead of four

By Joe Bernstein for the Daily Mail

Published: 23:01, 24 May 2014 | Updated: 23:01, 24 May 2014

Premier League clubs are fighting to change the way parachute payments for relegation are paid - so they would be entitled to £60million over just two years.

The 20 top-flight clubs agreed a new parachute deal - viewed as insurance against relegation - a year ago, with £60m spread over four years.

But there are concerns it is spread too thinly to protect teams because of the huge wages needed to compete in the top flight.

Parachute: Cardiff City are set to receive £60million over four years following their relegation

Dejected: As are Norwich, who went down on the final day of the season

The new proposals would mean teams next season get £30m, not £15m, in the first year after relegation.

Several Premier League clubs are in favour because they believe the extra money would help them hold on to their best players and biggest earners.

The matter is due to be discussed at the annual end-of-season meeting of Premier League chairmen in Harrogate on June 5-6.

Premier League chief Richard Scudamore has supported the current parachute payments to keep the peace with other stakeholders including the Football League.

In theory, the FL would need to accept the new proposals before they allow relegated teams from the Premier League into the Championship, but the  fear is the proposal will give relegated clubs an advantage over Championship rivals.

One possible compromise is a halfway house in which payments are spread over three years.
Scudamore’s authority may be reduced after the publication of his private sexist emails. He kept his job but clubs will have to decide if they continue  to listen to his counsel.

Support: But Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has backed the current plan