The Premier League’s “big six” clubs have "suffered a significant setback" in their efforts to claim a bigger share of overseas TV rights, according to Martyn Ziegler of the LONDON TIMES. A proposal by EPL Exec Chair Richard Scudamore for 35% of the overseas TV money to be split according to where a club finishes in the table "failed to gain the necessary support" at a meeting of the 20 top-flight club chairs in London. The clubs decided to delay making a decision on the TV rights money "until another meeting in around three weeks’ time." A spokesperson said, "Premier League clubs today met and discussed the future development of the league. Clubs unanimously agreed to adjourn the meeting to allow further discussion." Scudamore’s failure to get his proposal agreed is "one of the biggest setbacks of his 18 years in charge of the Premier League." He will "now have to produce a more acceptable proposal if it is to gain the necessary backing" (
LONDON TIMES, 10/4).
BIGGER SLICE: In London, Matt Slater reported under the current rules, the league's growing overseas broadcast revenues are shared evenly but the "Big Six" -- ManU, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Tottenham -- believe "they should get a bigger share because of their greater popularity abroad." Scudamore's proposed compromise is to allocate 35% of the overseas pot according to final league position, "which is a similar formula to how the domestic rights are shared out." Last season, this would have given Chelsea an extra £12.4M and "reduced Sunderland's take by the same amount." But with the Premier League's overseas income "rising faster than its domestic revenue, this differential would only grow." While the more established clubs claim it is their global brands that are "driving the rise in the Premier League's foreign TV rights," those against the change said that it is the league's "competitive balance which is so popular abroad and that hinges on a more egalitarian split of the income" (EVENING STANDARD, 10/4). In London, Harry Slavin reported surprisingly, the "Big Six" reportedly have support for the idea from other clubs, and all 20 met to "discuss the most significant proposal" since the league's inception in '92. There are "at least three believed to be coming round to the elite's way of thinking," with Everton, West Ham and Leicester City "thought to agree with the idea." West Ham Vice-Chair Karren Brady was seen entering the hotel and "it is believed she got behind the proposal." Stoke City Chair Peter Coates is "among the majority of executives against the idea." Crystal Palace Chair Steve Parish and Coates were two of the execs in the room "defending the interests of the majority of the top flight" (DAILY MAIL, 10/4).
THREAT TO STATUS QUO: In London, Charles Sale reported the Big Six are "playing hardball" with their TV rights demands, which is "crucial" to Scudamore "keeping orderly control of the top flight." Scudamore is "under enormous pressure to deliver a deal" and his authority over the richest league in the world "may never be the same if he fails to achieve the required 14-6 majority." Until this issue, Scudamore had been the "greatest champion of collectivism." He was "furious" when the Big Six first showed their colors by "having a private huddle" in the middle of a league meeting to discuss a proposed TV deal with China last November. But Scudamore realizes it will be the elite clubs "who will have to play at different times over the weekend most often as a part of the next TV deal -- and he needs them on-side" (DAILY MAIL, 10/3).
