Premier League Postpones 'New Deal for Football' Ballot Amidst Leadership Concerns

The Premier League has decided to postpone the ballot on the 'New Deal for Football' until they are confident it will be approved. Some clubs believe that a defeat would indicate a lack of confidence in chief executive Richard Masters. Several top-flight clubs have expressed dissatisfaction with Masters' leadership on various issues, including the Premier League's proposals for a new financial settlement for the EFL and their decision to tighten regulations on related-party commercial deals and loan moves. The Premier League has called a meeting of the 20 clubs to finalize their offer to the EFL, but significant divisions still exist, and the matter may not be put to a vote. A second meeting has been tentatively scheduled for March 11, with hopes of holding a vote. While some Premier League clubs view the impending vote as a referendum on Masters' leadership, the majority are believed to be supportive.