Topics: Premier League, Manchester United, Liverpool
The two clubs are leading the way for amendments to be made to the current state of the league.

English Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are leading the charge for a new reform proposal to be considered for the league. The radical plan dubbed 'Project Big Picture' contains numerous schemes that could extraordinarily change the face and the current state of the competition.

The said shake-up devised by the two clubs and approved by the Football League, is expected to empower 'big clubs' and give them control over the running of the top flight. In return, they will lose a part of their TV revenue that will be redistributed to help clubs at the base of the football pyramid.

In that, some of the changes expected to be seen include the reduction from 20 top-flight teams to 18 clubs in the Premier League, as well as the cancelation of the League Cup and Community Shield. In turn, £250million would be given to the EFL to be shared among the clubs in the lower leagues while £100m goes to the FA.

According to reports from England, 14 of the 20 top-flight clubs are not aware of this development that has dominated headlines after being leaked to the Telegraph. There has since been a backlash with many stakeholders suggesting that the plan is in place to enable the "Big Six" to control the wealth and have full autonomy to even decide who gets into the Premier League.

Meanwhile, despite EFL chairman Rick Parry backing the proposal, the Premier League and government have spoken out against its implementation. A statement by the former read as follows: "We have seen media reports today regarding a plan to restructure football in this country. English football is the world's most watched, and has a vibrant, dynamic and competitive league structure that drives interest around the globe.

"To maintain this position, it is important that we all work together. Both the Premier League and The FA support a wide-ranging discussion on the future of the game, including its competition structures, calendar and overall financing particularly in light of the effects of COVID-19.

"Football has many stakeholders, therefore this work should be carried out through the proper channels enabling all clubs and stakeholders the opportunity to contribute. In the Premier League's view, a number of the individual proposals in the plan published today could have a damaging impact on the whole game and we are disappointed to see that Rick Parry, Chair of the EFL, has given his on-the-record support.

"The Premier League has been working in good faith with its clubs and the EFL to seek a resolution to the requirement for COVID-19 rescue funding. This work will continue."