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Daily Mirror

New salary cap would destroy the Premier League and push out our biggest stars

Spending restrictions via a salary cap would put the reputation and well being of English football's top flight at serious risk and would eventually see the biggest names head elsewhere

The billionaires in Saudi Arabia will be rubbing their hands together. And so will the presidents and of some of the biggest clubs across Europe, like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.


Because coming to them all soon, could well be some of the biggest and best footballers on the planet.


Most of which currently earn their livings in the Premier League. Because it remains the richest league in the world. One which can facilitate clubs spending up to £500,000-a-week on certain individuals. But all this could be about to change, in a move which would leave the Premier League languishing alongside the also rans.


The introduction of a controversial new 'salary cap' will be voted on by all top flight clubs in the coming weeks. Known as 'anchoring', it would limit the amount of money any side can spend to a multiple of the amount the bottom side received in broadcast revenue and prize money.

You'll be stunned to discover the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and both Manchester clubs are opposed to the proposal. And who can blame them?

READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk has final say on Liverpool's £228m summer transfer overhaulREAD MORE: Benjamin Sesko out in the cold as agreement reached on Man Utd star

Because, in short, the new rules would block some of the biggest clubs doling out the biggest wages on some of the biggest stars. Which could see the likes of Erling Haaland and Co decide to leave English football in their droves.


Rendering those clubs they leave behind powerless to compete with the best the continent has to offer.

And leaving the Premier League's status as the best in the business in absolute tatters.


Because broadcasters would no longer be prepared to shell out fortunes in return for showing live games. Instead, choosing to show matches that involve the superstar names plying their trades somewhere else.

Talk about shooting oneself in the foot.

The Premier League is swimming in dollars because it is the best product. But inhibit certain clubs from employing those who make it the best product, and the end game is a scenario league chief executive Richard Masters shouldn't ever want to consider.

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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.

Jeremy Cross
Jeremy Cross

Jeremy joined the Daily Star in 2010 as Manchester football correspondent and for more than a decade has served as our Chief Sports Writer. He provides expert coverage on Manchester United and Manchester City, the Premier League as a whole, and the England football team. Jeremy has covered football, rugby and cricket World Cups, as well as Wimbledon, the golf majors and the Olympics.

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