PSR era in Premier League to continue after clubs oppose new spending rules

"League executives have spent the past 18 months attempting to introduce two new ways of controlling spending in the competition with clubs reluctant to sign up, despite a number of sides falling foul of the current PSR system. There was more discussion over possible rule changes at a meeting in central London on Tuesday, but there is, as of yet, no time frame for putting them to a vote and the chances that anything will be adopted before next season are receding."

"One of the two proposals, known as the squad-cost ratio, would limit spending on wages to 85% of revenue. Nine of the league's 20 clubs are already committed to such a system as a result of qualifying for Europe and are understood to value the flexibility PSR rules provide domestically. The second proposal, known as anchoring, would limit spending for all clubs to a multiple of the revenues of the bottom-placed side."

"Sources suggest discussions at on Tuesday's meeting were focused on addressing issues raised by individual clubs, with perspectives often diverging according to a club's position within the competition. The case for the rules was made again, with clubs in favour arguing anchoring could be key to maintaining the league's competitive balance, seen as one of the selling points for the competition at home and abroad."

League executives have spent the past 18 months attempting to introduce two new spending controls. Clubs remain reluctant to sign up despite a number of sides falling foul of the current PSR system. One proposal, the squad-cost ratio, would limit spending on wages to 85% of revenue and nine clubs are already committed to similar limits due to European qualification. The second proposal, anchoring, would restrict spending for all clubs to a multiple of the bottom-placed club's revenues and has provoked dissent, with Manchester United and Manchester City among opponents. Meetings have focused on club-specific concerns and no vote timetable has been set, making adoption before next season unlikely.

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