Man Utd, Man City oppose plan as Premier League clubs agree salary cap

Premier League clubs have voted in favour of a proposal that would impose restrictions on spending on transfers, wages and agent fees, a move that was opposed by Man Utd and Man City.

The new salary cap proposal would limit spending for top clubs to an as yet unconfirmed multiple of the amount that the bottom side receives in television money.

At the Premier League shareholders’ meeting on Monday, the proposal got the support of 16 of the 20 teams, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa those reported to have voted against it.

According to reports, Chelsea opted to abstain.

Why are Premier League clubs opting for the Salary Cap?

The idea is that stopping clubs from spending so freely will create a more competitive Premier League, rather than one that is dominated by only one or two extremely wealthy clubs.

The ‘anchoring’ principle would put a ceiling on spending, with the Premier League already set to replace Profit & Sustainability rules in 2025 with a new squad cost control regulation that limits a club’s spending on transfers, wages and agents fee to 85% of their total revenue.

Backing for the spending cap came from those fearful of the advantages that the highest-earning clubs could have over others, as well as concerns about potential spending power from state-backed clubs.