The Premier League clubs will meet this week "to discuss the imposition of some radical new cost control measures," according to Louise Taylor of the London GUARDIAN. Among the ideas up for debate is a proposal from Sunderland Owner Ellis Short "that clubs should agree to limit any increases in player costs to a fixed sum, say 10%, for prearranged periods." The ensuing restrictions on wage rises "would make it increasingly difficult for leading players and their agents to demand huge salary hikes mid-contract, thereby helping achieve" league's aim of financial sustainability for all members. An alternative suggestion is that clubs should spend no more than 70% of their turnovers on wages. Another item to be discussed is asking CEOs to supply the Premier League with five-year financial forecasts (GUARDIAN, 9/21). The London INDEPENDENT noted Premier League clubs have been split into two groups "to discuss a number of issues." The 10 southern-most clubs will meet on Monday and the rest on Wednesday. The majority of clubs support trying to find ways to control spending "despite being set to receive significant rises in income" when the new £3B ($4.9B) domestic TV deal begins next season (INDEPENDENT, 7/22).
