The Premier League has offered EFL clubs, including Stoke City, a proposal that would raise solidarity payments by over £1.5 billion across the next decade, a plan presented to the 72 EFL clubs last week. EFL clubs were warned that if they reject the deal and trigger the Independent Football Regulator's backstop powers, they could face delays of up to two years before a new financial settlement is imposed, creating uncertainty for club finances.
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Comments Sport Jamie Gardner Press Association Chief Sports Reporter 11:14, 23 Sep 2026 EFL clubs, including Stoke City, have been warned they could be kept waiting up to two years for a new financial settlement from the Premier League if they choose to trigger the Independent Football Regulator's 'backstop' powers. EFL executives are in ongoing talks with their counterparts in the top flight over a 'New Deal' for the English game. Documents seen by the Press Association – which remain subject to change as negotiations remain ongoing – indicate an increase in solidarity funding of more than £1.5billion over the next 10 years compared to current levels. Details of the Premier League's proposal, which was approved by its clubs in July, were presented to the 72 EFL clubs last week. Article continues below New Stoke City signing opens up on 'surreal' phone call as he targets career first Stoke City's rivals set to learn fate as manager as 'asked for forgiveness' Within those documents came guidance around the timescales involved should EFL clubs ultimately decide not to accept the Premier League's offer and instead invoke the IFR's 'backstop' powers to impose a settlement. The EFL told its clubs that process could take between one and two years to reach a resolution and that the outcome was "difficult to predict". "That said, the IFR has very clear objectives in relation to sustainability," the presentation to clubs states. Both leagues will also be conscious of the expected publication next month of the regulator's 'State of the Game' review, which will provide a wide-ranging analysis of the financial health of the English game, including a view on the impact of parachute payments. The Premier League's current 'New Deal' proposal includes a commitment to reduce parachute payments to its relegated clubs by five per cent across six years, according to the documents. The offer also makes provision for changes to the cost control measures EFL clubs are subject to. Article continues below The deal includes a condition that 15 per cent of solidarity funds clubs receive be set aside for infrastructure projects, while it also makes provisions for the creation of a £20m 'lifeboat fund' for clubs that enter administration. It also foresees stronger partnership between the leagues on a number of issues, including an agreed position on the Saturday 3pm blackout, the structure of the Carabao Cup and the format of the EFL Trophy, which is now under new sponsorship with the American sandwich brand Jersey Mike's having agreed a five-year deal as title sponsor. EFL clubs are expected to gather again over the next fortnight for further discussions on the proposals. The EFL and the Premier League have been approached for comment. Article continues below Get YOUR Stoke City Newsletter Get the best Stoke City news and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of The Sentinel! To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two: 1. HeadTHIS WAY 2. Enter your email and hit Subscribe. ENJOYED THIS STORY? Choose The Sentinel as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value. 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Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.stokesentinel.co.uk
Stoke City, Premier League, EFL, Independent Football Regulator, Jersey Mike's, The Sentinel, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Staffordshire Police, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Reach plc
Stoke City: Stoke City is a professional football club that was presented with the Premier League's proposal and is an EFL club considering whether to accept the offer or invoke the IFR 'backstop' powers.
Premier League: The Premier League is the top-flight English football league that approved and presented a 'New Deal' proposal to EFL clubs, including increased solidarity funding and changes to parachute payments and cost control measures.
EFL: The English Football League (EFL) is the governing body of the 72 clubs below the Premier League that is in talks with the Premier League over a 'New Deal' and has warned clubs the IFR backstop process could take one to two years.
Independent Football Regulator: The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is the regulator with 'backstop' powers that EFL clubs could invoke to impose a settlement, with an expected one- to two-year resolution timeframe and clear sustainability objectives.
Jersey Mike's: Jersey Mike's is an American sandwich brand that agreed a five-year deal to become the title sponsor of the EFL Trophy.
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