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The Premier League are set to vote on the introduction of 'anchoring' on Friday, with the new financial rule set to be introduced from next season if it is passed
The Premier League is reportedly facing another threat of legal action if a controversial new financial rule is voted in. On Friday, clubs will vote on whether to introduce 'anchoring' from the next season.
These rules are being referred to as a sort of wage cap, which would limit the amount of money clubs can spend to five times the amount paid to the club who finish bottom of the Premier League. It's been reported that the Professional Footballer's Association (PFA) has already threatened legal action.
The Daily Mail now reports that they'll be joined by three of the biggest football agencies if the rule is passed. Agencies CAA Stellar, CAA Base and Wasserman have all reportedly made their stance clear to Premier League bosses.
These three agencies represent several well-known names, who currently play or have played in the Premier League. Clients include Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Arsenal's Eberechi Eze, Everton's Jack Grealish, Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Man City's John Stones, as well as Ivan Toney who has been linked with a return to the league in January.
Communicating through a top law firm, the agencies are said to argue that the introduction of the rule would breach competition law. They're also reported to have indicated that they will take legal action if it is voted in.
The position mirrors that of both the PFA and Manchester United and Manchester City. Both clubs are believed to think a move could be detrimental for the Premier League, making it easier for talent to shift to other countries.
A vote on whether to explore the new rule was conducted last year, with 16 clubs, including Arsenal, voting in favour. For the change to occur, 14 clubs need to vote positively.
The proposed new rules are believed to align the league more closely with UEFA's SCR (Squad Cost Ratio) rules, which permit teams to spend up to 70 percent of their revenues on their squads. These rules have been in place for several seasons across Europe and already regulate the club participating in European competitions.
Speaking against the potential new rule last week, PFA chief executive Maheta Molango stated: "We have a tendency in football to think that we are above the law. The reality is that you cannot artificially cap someone's ability to make a living as this would just not withstand any legal challenge.
"We've been clear with the Premier League that it is something we will oppose but the Premier League themselves know that, even before the PFA does this, there will be clubs within their own room who will legally challenge the measure.
"The only ones who end up winning are the lawyers. We want to talk about football, we don't want to talk about legal bills."
The Premier League have been contacted by football.london for comment.
In response to the PFA's opposition, a spokesperson previously stated: "We disagree with the PFA's views regarding the proposed financial rules and the extensive consultation process we have been conducting with our clubs and other stakeholders.
"The PFA has had numerous opportunities since March 2024 to provide feedback on, and shape, the proposals and the principles that underpin them. Where the League has received feedback on the New Financial System from stakeholders, including the PFA, we have considered it carefully and, where appropriate, incorporated it into formulating the draft rules.
"It is the League's objective to maintain the Premier League's value, competitive balance and ensure clubs operate in a financially sustainable way."
"We are engaging with our clubs, and they will continue to evaluate the proposals. They will have the opportunity to vote on them later this month"
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