The first was news that the proposed "New Deal" for football-a new formula for increased wealth redistribution throughout the English Pyramid-had collapsed after months of intense discussions between the Premier League and the EFL.
The Premier League is currently sharing £1.6 billion with the Pyramid over a three-year period. That sounds like an eye-watering figure, right? Sure, until you realise that the vast majority of that is dished out to relegated Premier League clubs in the form of parachute payments.
The second was a story about how the same Premier League clubs are forging a plan that could result in many of them raking in millions in profits. The idea is for a new spending cap that would link the amount any club can spend on wages to how much television money is paid to the lowest-placed team.
The proposal is called "anchoring", and would restrict the top teams (Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool et al) to spending, say, four and a half times the amount the bottom club (Sheffield United, Burnley or Luton Town, for example) received in TV money.
Doesn't sound like such a bad idea, right? Might help maintain a degree of competitive balance at a time when the gap between the haves and the have-nots is growing wider. But here's the thing.
What happens about the clubs who participate in the Champions League? Or, from 2025, the new Club World Cup (prize money for the winner: €100 million)? Those billionaire owners -who, as we have just been reminded, do not give a damn about the health of the Pyramid-will be able to cream millions off the top.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WEATHER'S ON THE UP
MARC WEATHERSTONE reckons Welwyn Garden City's togetherness is a big part of their hot start and exactly why he thinks they've got the cahunas if and when the going gets tough.
ROW ARE RAISING A GLASS!
DIRECTOR of football Anthony Millerick has revealed the secret behind Hartley Wintney's recent upturn in form players staying behind for a beer after the game.
TOP TEAMS FIGHT TO QUICKFIRE STALEMATE
GLOUCESTER CITY and Basingstoke Town managed to keep their respective unbeaten home and away records intact, with both sides refusing to be defeated in a well-fought top-ofthe-table battle.
McKIMM MAKES A GOOD POINT
Millers manager takes the draw
WANDERERS LET OFF THE FIREWORKS IN THRILLER
FIREWORKS were on display at Cherrywood Road in a game that crackled and fizzed with plenty of bang for your buck.
EZE DOES IT WITH DAZZLING DISPLAY
BOLTON loanee Dubem Eze stole the limelight with a scintillating first-half display, culminating in a stunning strike on the cusp of half-time which effectively wrapped up the points for the Magpies in the battle of the promotion chasers.
SEAGULLS FLY HIGH IN DEFEAT
WESTON-super-Mare boss Scott Bartlett I was proud of his team's performance, pushing Bristol Rovers to within 25 minutes of penalties.
BENBOW SENDING OFF HITS THE PICS
RUSHALL OLYMPIC manager Adam Stevens pointed Re to the dismissal of striker Luke Benbow as a key moment.
HEARTBREAK AS SHRIMPER DREAM DIES AT THE DEATH
Maher's mad at dramatic collapse
TIME TO POPP THE CORKS AS NILE BECOMES A DERBY HERO
KETTERING Town ignored the 78 places gap to down local rivals Northampton Town with a stunning performance at Sixfields.
