The Premier League is looking to discuss a new "luxury tax" fine system to “punish clubs who breach its financial rules,” according to Jason Burt of the London TELEGRAPH. The EPL will “resist any attempts” from clubs to do away with so-called “sporting sanctions” -- the docking of points -- if the profit and sustainability rules are broken. Instead, the EPL wants a “new layer of punishment” to sit between a big breach of the rules and no breach. This would suggest that, in the future, clubs may be “more likely to be fined rather than lose points unless they hugely go beyond the PSR limits.” The EPL is adamant -- “and is believed to be supported by the majority of clubs -- that the threat of points deductions is necessary otherwise owners could decide to overspend recklessly and take the hit of a fine.” Nottingham Forest have been deducted four points for a PSR breach and Everton have lost six points but are waiting to hear within the next few days “if they face a second punishment.” Burt noted there is “undoubtedly discontent” among the clubs at the current rules and changes are “expected to be implemented” at the EPL’s annual meeting in June with discussion papers being circulated. But what appears “likely to be introduced is a new financial sanction” -- a so-called “luxury tax” -- which is similar to a system used in some American sports such as basketball and baseball where teams are punished for breaking the salary cap (London TELEGRAPH, 4/4).
