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The Premier League will vote on the introduction of 'anchoring' on Friday, with the PA already outlining their stance.
The Premier League is reportedly facing the threat of legal action over a controversial new financial rule set to be voted on this Friday.
The proposed 'anchoring' rule, seen by many as a form of salary cap, would limit clubs' spending to five times the amount paid to the team finishing bottom of the league.
This contentious rule has already drawn threats of legal action from the Professional Footballer's Association (PFA). Now, it appears that three of the biggest football agencies - CAA Stellar, CAA Base and Wasserman - are ready to join the fray should the rule be approved, according to the Daily Mail.
These agencies represent several high-profile players who currently play or have played in the Premier League. Their rosters include Man City's John Stones, Everton's Jack Grealish, Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Arsenal's Eberechi Eze, Liverpool's Curtis Jones, as well as Ivan Toney, who has been linked with a return to the league in January.
Through a leading law firm, these agencies have reportedly communicated their stance to Premier League executives. They argue that the introduction of the 'anchoring' rule would violate competition law and have indicated they will take legal action if the rule is passed.
The position mirrors that of both the PFA and the two Manchester clubs. Both Manchester United and City are understood to feel such a move could prove detrimental to the Premier League and make it easier for talent to relocate abroad.
A ballot on whether to examine the new regulation was conducted last year, with 16 clubs backing the proposal. For the change to be implemented, 14 clubs must vote in favour.
The suggested new regulations are believed to align the league more closely with UEFA's SCR (Squad Cost Ratio) framework, which permits teams to allocate up to 70 per cent of their income on their squads. Those regulations have been operational for several seasons across Europe and already apply to clubs competing in European tournaments.
Opposing the potential new regulation last week, PFA chief executive Maheta Molango said: "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 approached by the MEN 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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