Everton ‘very concerned’ about £900m payout after Westminster news – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed all 20 Premier League sides will be “very concerned” about giving money to EFL clubs as the government threatens to intervene.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested top-flight clubs can help the lower leagues “beyond just money” with possibilities for sharing facilities and technology.
The Football Governance Bill, which includes the introduction of an independent regulator, was read for a second time in Westminster on Tuesday (23 April).
A regulator would have backstop powers to impose an agreement between the Premier League and the EFL on how wealth is redistributed as negotiations over a deal continue to stall.
Everton and Premier League rivals ‘very concerned’ about £900m payout
Last month (12 March), top-flight clubs rejected a £900million deal to support the wider pyramid with the threshold of 14 clubs not reached.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Everton and Nottingham Forest must confirm they’re staying in the league before even thinking about the summer meeting.
“Those two sides, and all 20 clubs are very concerned about money being given to the lower leagues to preserve the pyramid.
“That’s the biggest issue and it’s one of self-interest.
“I agree with the worries. I believe the Premier League earns the money, and the EFL do have a generous settlement on the table right now.
“There has to be a way the Premier League can help the lower league beyond just money. Whether it’s facilities, or sharing technology – or taking a club under their wing.
“We have to make that a mandate for clubs to help each other.”
In other news, Everton plan to replace Amadou Onana revealed.
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