AFC Wimbledon today joined a campaign by the EFL to return the split of TV revenue given to EFL clubs to 25 per cent.
The ask is part of a coordinated campaign by the EFL in response to the findings of the recent Fan-Led Review by the Conservative MP Tracey Crouch. The recommendations from the Review are backed by Fair Game, the initiative set-up by the EFL and the Dons Trust (the picture above shows representatives from clubs all around the country at our stadium).
The Review concludes that the Premier League should “make additional, proportionate contributions to further support football” and asked the EFL and the Premier League to reach an agreement. However, to date no deal has been reached.
The EFL has proposed that the combined broadcasting revenues of the two professional leagues should be split 75 per cent to the Premier League and 25 per cent to the EFL (currently it is a 14 per cent share). It is a stance fully supported by AFC Wimbledon. Notably, the EFL’s proposed split is the same distribution that existed before Sky became involved in English football.
As part of the campaign, our Chief Executive Joe Palmer has written to 10 local MPs asking for their support.
Joe wrote: “Enhanced regulation and increased redistribution of the game’s revenues are inseparable and must move forward simultaneously through any legislation designed to enact the Review’s recommendations.
“Fairer redistribution of the game’s financial rewards will ensure that clubs are solvent, while better regulation will ensure they are sustainable. This [a rise to 25 per cent split] could help make clubs in Leagues One and Two financially sustainable at a stroke.”
The 10 MPs Joe has written to are:
- Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (Tooting)
- Fleur Anderson (Putney)
- Elliot Colburn (Carshalton & Wallington)
- Marsha De Cordova (Battersea)
- Ed Davey (Kingston & Surbiton)
- Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon)
- Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham & Morden)
- Sarah Olney (Richmond Park)
- Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Streatham)
- Paul Scully (Sutton & Cheam)
Read the full letter from Joe. We are also encouraging fans to sign this petition and to write to their own MPs and councillors. Access a step-by-step guide to help you do this. You can also sign the petition for fairer football.