2 weeks Ago
Rick Parry has accused the Premier League of undervaluing the football pyramid, arguing that without the "variety and competition" that come from relegation and promotion the game would become "sterile". The EFL chair was speaking to the Guardian before legislation for an independent football regulator returns to parliament on Wednesday, potentially ending a four-year process of change. The EFL "embraces" stronger financial regulation, according to Parry, but he continues to argue it must come alongside greater financial redistribution from the Premier League, a goal not achieved despite years of negotiation and government pressure.
"The Premier League isn't just the snapshot of the 20 clubs who were in it for the time being, it's all of those who've made a contribution to its growth over the years and make it what it is," Parry said. "If we all decide the pyramid doesn't matter, let's just stop promotion and relegation and then see how strong the Premier League is. I think without variety and competition at the bottom, if you have a sterile league, if, heaven forbid, we adopt the American system and we just have closed leagues, then how big would the outcry be?" Parry has been an outspoken critic of the status quo since the Covid crisis prompted the Conservative government to launch a fan-led review into football governance in 2021.
He said he had accepted that external regulation is necessary. "There's so much that's great about English football, the Premier League and the Championship, there are so many positives, but I don't think the game can be relied..
. Paul MacInnes.
