Simon Jordan mentioned Leeds United and Leicester City today when discussing Premier League parachute payments.
After the Whites were relegated from the Premier League last season, Jim White said that they received approximately £44 million to help them adjust to the Championship.
However, according to Sky News, the Premier League has summoned a “emergency” meeting to explore a more equitable allocation of revenues across the football pyramid.
Jordan, speaking live on talkSPORT on Thursday (22 February, 11:12am), said: “The fact that Leicester, the Premier League champions, and Leeds United, who have tremendous audiences, huge support, wealthy owners, and are able to sell some of their assets while managing their wage book.
“This is not a debate about parachute money. In reality, it is a debate over the distribution of money into the pyramid.
“If you increase the distribution so everybody gets more money in the Championship, League One and League Two, then of course, you can reduce the parachute payment because the disparity isn’t so wide.”
Leeds United could miss out on a new Premier League deal.
If the new arrangement is approved, Leeds may miss out on a share of a £925 million windfall across the four divisions, making Premier League promotion a far more likely prospect for the club.
To gain from this contract, Yorkshire would have to stay in the Championship, which Leeds would not want to do.
Given Jordan’s major point that parachute payments may be decreased if the distribution throughout the Championship, League One, and League Two was more equitable, Leeds must win promotion before any modifications are made.
Leeds are now in second place in the division, nine points behind league leaders Leicester, level on points with Ipswich Town, and two points ahead of Southampton.
Following their relegation last season, Leeds United have the opportunity to immediately return to the Premier League.
Of course, their funds are unlikely to be adjusted, even if they were not promoted and a new arrangement was made, because it would be quite unfair to deprive them of promised money right away.
Otherwise, Leeds and the 49ers would be in a very difficult situation.
