"The financial regulations imposed on Premier League clubs – first through Profitability and Sustainability Rules and now through the new Squad Cost Ratio system – are not protecting competition. They are protecting the clubs already at the top. Financial Fair Play is no longer simply a mechanism to prevent reckless owners from bankrupting football clubs. It has become a glass ceiling that restricts ambitious challengers while allowing the wealthiest clubs to enjoy the enormous commercial advantages accumulated during decades of success. In other words, the ladder has been pulled up. The old rules allowed Premier League clubs to record adjusted losses of up to £105 million over three years. From the beginning of the 2026/27 season, those regulations are being replaced by a Squad Cost Ratio limiting spending on players, wages and agents to 85 per cent of a club’s football-related revenue and profits from player sales. That might sound sensible. But the fundamental problem remains. If the amount a club can spend is determined largely by the income it already generates, the biggest clubs will always be able to spend considerably more than the clubs trying to catch them. Manchester United can underperform on the pitch for several seasons and still benefit from one of the largest commercial operations in world football. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have revenues, sponsorship portfolios and global audiences built up through years of Champions League participation, televised success and international exposure. Their historic advantages become their future spending power."   submitted by   /u/1stand11 [link]   [comments]