PFA 'issue legal threat to the Premier League' amid fears clubs could vote on the introduction of a salary cap from the 2025-26 season

The Professional Footballers Association has reportedly threatened the Premier League with legal action in an attempt to block the potential introduction of a salary cap. Premier League clubs voted last year to explore the introduction of a spending cap from the start of the 2025-26 season as part of a new system of financial controls to replace Profit and Sustainability Rules. The new system, known as ‘anchoring’, would limit clubs spending on transfers, wages and agent fees. The precise ratio has yet to be determined, but the new rules are expected to 'anchor' spending to around five times the income of the bottom club.

Sheffield United earned £110m for finishing bottom last season, meaning the top spenders would have been limited to £550m. A total of 16 clubs voted in favour of exploring anchoring last year, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa voting against and Chelsea abstaining. According to the Athletic, the PFA has written to the Premier League warning of potential legal action with the system limiting clubs spending on player wages, regardless of whether they can meet the costs.

The PFA has reportedly sent legal demands to the Premier League over salary cap concerns. The report states the PFA have claimed the Premier League has yet to explain why it wants to bring in anchoring or provide details of how it would work. Rule changes impacting player contracts are typically agreed by the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee (PFNCC). The committee includes the PFA, Premier League, English Football League and League Managers’ Association.

The PFA legal threat reportedly comes with the organisation concerned the Premier League shareholders were set to vote on proposals at their meeting next week. The Premier League has confirmed it has received legal demands from the PFA over the potential rules, with letters also sent to the 20 clubs. ‘We have complied with PFNCC requirements and the PFA has had multiple opportunities since March 2024 to provide feedback on the rules and the principles that underpin them,' a Premier League spokesperson told The Athletic.

‘Furthermore, squad cost ratio proposals were voted for, in shadow, by clubs at the June AGM. ‘The squad cost ratio proposals under discussion align closely with existing UEFA financial rules, which a number of our clubs are already subject to. The objectives of the proposals include maintaining the Premier League’s competitive balance and ensuring clubs operate in a financially sustainable way.

The PFA are reportedly concerned Premier League clubs could vote in favour of anchoring. Anchoring would cap spending of clubs to a multiple of the bottom club's income, which last season would have been Sheffield United. ‘While we always remain open to discussions and feedback, we are extremely disappointed that instead of engaging with the substance of the proposals, the PFA has chosen to issue legal demands.

‘Clubs will continue to evaluate the proposals with a view to bringing them to a vote at the appropriate time.’. The Premier League have already agreed to replace PSR rules from the 2025-26 season with a squad cost control. The cost control will limit clubs to spending 85 per cent of their total revenue on wages, transfer payments and agents' fees. Anchoring would fix a ceiling on that spending and is generally being supported by those clubs who fear the growing power of the richest and those such as City who are backed by sovereign wealth funds.