Overview
- Clubs are scheduled to vote on 21 November on replacing PSR with new controls, though some teams now believe the ballots may be delayed, while the league says it still plans to proceed.
- Top‑to‑Bottom Anchoring would cap total squad spending at five times the bottom club’s central broadcast and prize‑money payout, a figure estimated at roughly £550m based on last season.
- A separate Squad Cost Ratio would limit outlay on wages, transfers and agents to 85% of club revenue, with concerns from several established mid‑table sides that this could advantage bigger teams and route fines to compliant clubs.
- The PFA opposes anchoring as a de facto salary cap, has retained Nick De Marco KC, and plans to brief all 20 club captains ahead of the vote with the prospect of legal action flagged by the union and some clubs.
- Club positions remain split, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa opposed to anchoring, while Newcastle United is reported to back both proposals; reported draft sanctions range from points deductions for repeat breaches to thresholds triggering sporting penalties.