Premier League clubs have unanimously approved a proposal to change Carabao Cup semi-finals from two legs to single matches as part of a £1.8 billion solidarity deal with the English Football League.
The agreement would effectively double current payments spread across 10 seasons, with negotiations reportedly £27 million apart but nearing completion.
EFL acceptance would bypass potential intervention by the Independent Football Regulator currently reviewing football governance.
Additional conditions include promoting talks with the National League over League Two promotion spots and reducing EFL reliance on owner funding.
Spending controls feature prominently, including a freeze on player wage increases and a requirement that 15% of funds go toward infrastructure.
A £20 million lifeboat loan fund would assist clubs entering administration to pay essential creditors and continue operating.
The EFL seeks to adjust the current 80:12:8 divisional split to 75:15:10, benefiting League One and League Two clubs significantly.
Under the new split, Championship clubs would gain £8.5 million more annually, League One £1.3 million, and League Two £700,000.
A 2% increase in the Premier League transfer levy from 4% to 6% would cover the uplift, representing 17.5% of top-flight broadcast revenue.
EFL clubs were briefed last week and will decide once the board recommends the package, preferring to await the IFR State of the Game report due 12 October.
Key deal figures
- Total solidarity payment: £1.8 billion over 10 seasons
- Current negotiation gap: £27 million
- Transfer levy increase: 4% to 6%
- Divisional split change: 80:12:8 to 75:15:10
- Wage increase freeze: Yes
- Infrastructure allocation: 15% of funds
- Administration lifeboat: £20 million loans
Source: Mirror
