English soccer clubs issue warning

Press, 19 February 1986, Page 30

English soccer clubs issue warning

NZPA-Reuterßirmingham, England English first division clubs have given their most public warning to date that they will break away from the traditional Football League unless their plans to revolutionise the game are adopted. The 22 top-flight clubs voted unanimously on Monday to vote against the league management committee’s proposals for reshaping the league when they meet on March 4. They then plan to call their own meeting, prob-

ably early in April, to present their own 10-point restructuring package. Their spokesman, Everton’s chairman, Mr Phil Carter, warned the rest of the 92 league clubs: "If we do not get support then the first division clubs will have to look at the future again. “We hate bringing out the idea of a Super League or a breakaway. But if things stay the same, there is no way the major clubs will allow themselves to be dragged down into obscurity. "We owe it to our fans

to avoid that, and we would not let it happen.” The management proposals are seen by the big clubs as a weak, watereddown version of the first division clubs* discussions, failing to redistribute voting power or shift the balance on the management committee.

The rebels’ package has yet to be finalised in detail. But it is known to include a reduction of the first division to 20 clubs, an increase in the second division to 24 and a far greater share of TV and sponsorship cash to the top clubs.