Project Big Picture needs 14 out of the 20 Premier League sides’ approval in order to go through… so which way is YOUR top-flight side planing to vote in the game-changing decision?
- Project Big Picture contains plans that will change the face of English football
- Plans include cutting the top-flight to 18 teams scrapping two cup tournaments
- Liverpool and Manchester United are trying to drive through the plans
- Sportsmail looks at how the other Premier League teams are planning on voting
Controversial Project Big Picture plans will require a major overhaul to get off the ground following fierce opposition from the Premier League’s clubs.
Currently, at least 14 of the Premier League’s 20 clubs need to vote in favour of any major proposals in order for them to be introduced.
But at least eight clubs are against PBP, underlining the major task facing Liverpool, Manchester United and EFL chairman Rick Parry, the driving forces behind the previously secret project, to gather support for their radical plans to reshape English football.
Liverpool and Manchester United are working together to push through Project Big Picture
Both sides need wide-scale approval from the other Premier League sides outside the ‘Big Six’
As reported on Monday, Brighton, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Sheffield United and West Brom would not back plans to reduce the size of the division to 18, one of the key proposals, under any circumstances. Sportsmail understands West Ham and Leeds are also against the plans in their current form.
The PBP concept has been met with strong objections from a number of the top flights clubs.
Premier League sides will meet on Wednesday to discuss the proposals
Most did not find out about it until the story broke on Sunday, much to their frustration and disappointment. Others only heard unconfirmed rumblings about the plans during last week.
Clubs are due to hold a shareholders’ meeting on Wednesday when the issue will be discussed among the 20 as a whole for the first time, with a series of private conversations among clubs taking place ahead of their virtual league get-together tomorrow.
But many top-flight chiefs believe that, such is the opposition, as it stands the Premier League will not allow the proposals to get as far as a vote.
Instead there is a sense that the revelations about what is being worked on were an attempt to get the ball rolling and, having outlined their wishlist, see which parts those pushing the restructure can get support for.
There is support for the idea of offering the EFL greater financial help.
One reason why the proposals are attractive is because it would give the EFL more money
Indeed, Sportsmail understands it was suggested during last week’s talks about the Premier League’s controversial pay-per-view service that the profits should go to the EFL’s clubs.
But the opposition to giving the top clubs extra voting power and a say in ownership changes is strong while fears about creation of a closed shop have spread throughout the league.
There have also been concerns raised about whether some of the clubs among the long-term shareholders have done enough to warrant now being able to call the shots for the entire division.
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