'Overwhelming majority' of EFL clubs support Project Big Picture

The vast majority of clubs in the second, third, and fourth tiers of English football expressed their support Tuesday for Project Big Picture, the controversial proposal that promises a £250-million bailout to lower-league teams and a share of the Premier League's annual income.

"The proposals, which look to address the long-term economic imbalance across the football pyramid while also addressing the short-term financial need created as a result of COVID-19, received strong support, with an overwhelming majority of clubs indicating a willingness to discuss the proposals further on the basis that the primary benefits for the future of the English pyramid are clear," the English Football League said in a statement.

"It was agreed that the proposals must be addressed and discussed in detail across all stakeholders for the benefit of the English game, and while there are no specific timescales for what happens next, there is a clear need for a progress in this matter as quickly as practically possible."

Manchester United and Liverpool are spearheading the initiative alongside EFL chairman Rick Parry. The proposal aims to cut the Premier League down to 18 clubs and, crucially, to award the nine longest-serving Premier League teams with veto power on any potential rule changes.

The top flight currently operates under a "one member, one vote" policy that requires a 14-club majority to green-light or reject proposals.

A number of Premier League clubs are critical of the way Project Big Picture has come together, and shareholders will meet this week to discuss it in detail, according to The Guardian's Paul MacInnes.

Parry, who previously served as chief executive of Liverpool and the Premier League, said the proposal is "designed for the greater good of English football."

Several teams in the lower tiers are at risk of insolvency due to the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Parry forecasted a £200-million shortfall by the end of September because of the loss of commercial and matchday revenue.