Arsenal, Tottenham and the rest of the top-flight clubs have reportedly been left furious after Liverpool and Manchester United were given a Premier League advantage.
The Times reports that Liverpool and United were both given 'special access' to the candidates looking to replace Richard Scudamore as the Premier League's chief executive.
It's stated that the clubs met with Susanna Dinnage, who was appointed in the role in November 2018 before puling out a month later, as well as fellow candidates Dave Howe and David Pemsel.
Liverpool were said to have been impressed by Howe, the son of former coach and manager Don Howe, but he was informed that he didn't get the position and Pemsel withdrew after allegations about his private life.
The committee to find Scudamore's successor was headed by Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck and also included Leicester chief executive Susan Whelan and Burnley chairman Mike Garlick.
United's Ed Woodward and Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish were later added to the committee after Dinnage pulled out - but it was United and Liverpool's meetings with the candidates which are said to have infuriated others.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City are said to have been angered by their involvement, though the Premier League insists there was appropriate involvement for all clubs.
