The Premier League has revealed plans to test a new financial framework in the upcoming season. Currently, the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) allow clubs to incur a maximum loss of £105 million over three years. This rule has resulted in penalties for teams like Everton and Nottingham Forest, who were docked points in the 2023/24 season.
During the latest annual general meeting of all 20 Premier League clubs, several issues were discussed, including Wolves’ failed attempt to eliminate VAR and Aston Villa’s unsuccessful proposal to increase the allowable loss limit to £135 million over three years.
Despite these setbacks, a significant amendment was approved that could change the future application of PSR. The Premier League stated, “At today’s Annual General Meeting, clubs have agreed to pilot a new league-wide financial system next season, which will be non-binding.”
While the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) will remain in effect, Premier League clubs will trial two new financial regulations: Squad Cost Rules (SCR) and Top to Bottom Anchoring Rules (TBA) in a non-binding experiment.
This trial will allow for a thorough evaluation of the system, including its alignment with UEFA’s new financial regulations, and will involve consultations with all relevant parties. The aim is to enhance and maintain financial health and competitive fairness within the Premier League, support club ambitions, ensure compatibility with other competitions, and improve club performance in UEFA tournaments, all while providing transparency for clubs, supporters, and stakeholders.
SCR will regulate spending on on-field activities, capping it at 85% of a club’s football-related income and net gains or losses from player transfers. TBA will act as a league-wide benchmark for football expenditures, calculated as a multiple of the projected minimum central distribution for the season.
These measures are designed to proactively safeguard the Premier League’s competitive balance, activating only if there is a significant disparity in revenue among the clubs.