Nottingham Forest

Premier League chief Richard Masters ‘under pressure’

Published

7 months ago

February 11, 2024

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters is reportedly facing criticism over his leadership after a group of clubs united together over a number of issues.

According to the Daily Mail, seven of the clubs who refused the back of the introduction of new associated party transaction rules (APT) this week were among the eight who voted against proposals to ban loan transfers last November.

The report claims Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Everton and Sheffield United are all understood to have voted against the league on Friday, with Crystal Palace and Burnley believed to have abstained.

Masters revealed earlier this month that the possibility of changing Profitability and Sustainability Rules to a ‘squad cost ratio’ model will be discussed. The Premier League chief told a Parliamentary Select Committee that given up to 35 per cent of the league’s clubs play continental football every season, and already have to abide by those UEFA laws, there would be considerations made as to whether the wider league might follow suit.

It’s believed that Masters’ position is not under immediate threat due to the number of issues he is currently engaged in. Alongside this week’s vote, clubs are said to be growing unhappy at the enforcement of Profit and Sustainability Rules, changes to the loan system and the financial settlement offered to the EFL.

Further disagreements over the future TV rights and digital strategies means clubs are divided as they have been in the 32-year history of the Premier League.

Pressure on Masters comes after the chief executive of the top flight defended his label of Forest as a “small club”. During a Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing in January, he was asked whether ‘big clubs’ are treated differently when it comes to financial rules after the Reds and Everton were charged for alleged breaches.

He replied: “The standard direction [for Profit and Sustainability rules] are for everybody, they’re not just for the small clubs.” He later emphasised his comments meaning he meant the rules are in place for all clubs.