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Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, are set to cast their votes on the potential introduction of rules that would cap spending on playing squads.
However, there's a growing unease that this concept might trickle down to the Championship. On November 21, the clubs will decide on top-to-bottom anchoring (TBA), a rule that would limit a club's spending on its squad to five times the smallest central Premier League broadcasting and prize money payout.
In theory, this move could level the playing field, preventing wealthier clubs from outspending newly promoted teams. However, critics argue that TBA would essentially impose a salary cap, with both Manchester clubs and Aston Villa previously voting against further exploration of the idea in April.
Now, mid-table and lower-tier clubs are expressing concern that this concept could be adopted in the Championship.
While they're in the Premier League, these clubs generally support the idea as it narrows the gap with the top clubs.
However, if any team were to be relegated to the Championship, they would benefit from parachute payments and theoretically be among the wealthiest teams in the second tier.
But their ability to reinvest for a promotion push would be limited if their spending is capped at five times that of the lowest team.
EFL chairman Rick Parry has previously voiced concerns about parachute payments creating significant inequality in the Championship. He would certainly consider introducing TBA if the Premier League were to adopt it.
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) is staunchly against the idea and has sought legal assistance to bolster its challenge. The PFA issued a stern warning to the Premier League, stating that it would be in "flagrant breach" of rules requiring consultation.
ESPN suggests that the TBA proposal could either be scrapped before the meeting or fail to secure enough backing in a vote.
Clubs are also faced with the decision of whether to stick with the existing, albeit contentious, profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) or replace them with the new squad cost rules (SCR).
The SCR would bring Premier League clubs more in line with UEFA regulations and has been trialled in shadow form since the start of the previous season.
On the European stage, clubs can only spend up to 70 percent of revenue on squad-related costs. The Premier League's proposal is to introduce a limit of 85 percent for those not participating in European competition.
However, some argue that this would create a stronger correlation between success and revenue.
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