The Premier League would lose its 'unique appeal' and become 'predictable' if radical proposals to reform English football lock in the 'power and control' of the big six, according to barrister Nick De Marco.
The controversial plans, dubbed Project Big Picture, would lead to a £250m rescue fund being made available to the English Football League (EFL) but that comes at a cost.
The top-flight would be cut from 20 clubs to 18 clubs, the League Cup and Community Shield would be abolished and parachute payments would be scrapped.
The plans would also see nine clubs - Liverpool, Manchester United, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Everton, West Ham and Southampton - being granted 'special voting rights' based on their extended runs in the Premier League.
Only six of these 'long-term shareholders' would be required to vote in a favour of a proposal for it to be passed and these clubs would also be able to veto the Premier League board’s approval of a proposed new owner.
Given how it has now been established that Mike Ashley is a willing seller, that could have huge ramifications for Newcastle United.
The Premier League, the government and supporters' groups have all condemned the proposals, which have been backed by EFL chairman Rick Parry.
De Marco, who is one of the barristers tasked with representing Ashley in his dispute with the Premier League regarding Newcastle's failed takeover last summer, has also made his feelings clear about the 'flawed plan'.
"The most obvious flaw of Rick Parry’s ‘Project Big Picture’ is that by locking in forever the power and control of the ‘big 6’, the competition would become so degraded and predictable that it would lose its unique appeal and in turn the broadcasting revenue the clubs depend on," the QC tweeted.
