Championship clubs have proposed a salary cap of £20million in a potential big change to the English Football League's financial rules which could impact Bristol City.
The Telegraph are reporting that senior executives of the 24 Championship clubs met on Thursday to discuss the Profitability and Sustainability (P & S) regulations but failed to reach an agreement. More talks are planned next month.
The proposals reportedly include a £20m salary cap and a limit on squad numbers but some clubs are keen on the cap being higher.
The EFL's legal battles with Derby County, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday have also been cited as a reason for the delays.
It’s unclear if Bristol City are among the clubs endorsing the radical step but they have been stringent in their adherence to the concept of Financial Fair Play and sustainability.
While the likes of Aston Villa, Derby County, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday have sought to find various loopholes in the rules, City have stuck to their principles of prudent financial management.
Since returning to the Championship in 2015, without the benefit of Premier League parachute payments, City have maintained a relatively low wage bill, purchased value talent, often selling at a considerable profit, against the backdrop of a focus on development through coaching.
It is also worth considering that Bristol Sport’s involvement in Premiership Rugby via the Bears, and the league’s salary cap structure, could lead to a feeling the concept could cross over for the betterment of the Championship’s financial health and to create a more level playing field.
Championship clubs have also agreed to push the transfer deadline back to 5pm on September 1, which is now aligned with the Premier League.
“EFL clubs have today reached an agreement in principle to amend the deadline of the summer transfer window to the traditional closing date at the end of August,” said the EFL in a statement.
"A process for formally adopting the change into EFL Regulations will now take place in due course, bringing Championship Clubs in line with the current position for League One and League Two."
