Liverpool's American owners are reportedly driving a push for radical and generational change to English football.
The Telegraph writes that Liverpool - with the support of Manchester United - have worked together on a radical set of proposals – called “Project Big Picture" - that will reshape the finances of the game.
The article states:
"The two clubs have worked together on a radical set of proposals – called “Project Big Picture" - that will reshape the finances of the game. The Premier League, the most lucrative sports league in the world, would see a reduction to 18 teams, and controlling power in the hands of the biggest clubs.
"In return for tearing up many of the rules that have governed the game since the Premier League's inception in 1992 there will be £250 million rescue package to the Football League to see them through the Covid crisis.
"The Daily Telegraph can reveal the details of the working document “Revitalisation" authored by Liverpool's American ownership Fenway Sports Group with support from United. It anticipates the backing of the other members of the so-called big six, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
"In a remarkable set of proposals, which will send shockwaves through the game, 25 per cent of the Premier League's annual revenue will go to the EFL clubs with £250 million paid up front to see them through the current crisis. There would also be a gift of £100 million to sustain the Football Association.
"However, there would be an abolition of the one-club, one-vote principle that has sustained the Premier League since its inception as well as the abolition of the threshold of 14 votes to pass any decision or regulation change.
"Under the new proposals, the League Cup and the Community Shield would be abolished. There have been additional discussions that the League Cup would survive but without the participation of the clubs in Europe.
"There would be two automatic promotion places for Championship clubs, but the third, fourth and fifth placed clubs would be in a play-off tournament with the 16th placed Premier League club.
"The nine clubs who have been in the Premier League for the longest - which includes the big six - would dictate its running in every aspect and would be free to play more games in the expanded Champions League that is anticipated from the 2024-2025 season onwards.
"As well as the Premier League dropping from 20 clubs to 18, there would be 24 in each of the Championship, League One and League Two making a total of 90.
"The plan is supported by the EFL chairman Rick Parry who has held talks with Liverpool's principal owner, the American investor John W Henry, and shareholder and director Mike Gordon. In addition, Parry has spoken to the Glazer family, who own United."
