Regarded as the best league in the world by billions of fans across the globe, the English Premier League (EPL) has been a beacon of modernisation.
Over the past decade, many aspects of the league have been upgraded to the so-called “modern football” standard. These aspects include but are not limited to financial investments, technological advancements such as the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and regulations. Some might also say that football patterns have been modernised, with coaches like Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp to accredit for this.
Although modernisation has its benefits, it has also faced criticism. Certain fans refer to the good old days when “oil money” or modern technology did not play a part in the league. Some teams have even shown concern about the direction in which the league is headed. A prime example is Wolverhampton Wanderers calling for a vote to scrap VAR and Everton’s legal issues with the Financial Play Rules.
The big question now is: Does the English Premier League need to further modernise? Is it acting in the best interests of the 20 clubs involved each year? Many are of the opinion that it will further undermine the value of the brand. There is a possibility that it back tracks on changes or stays put for now. Let’s explore the topic.
Technological innovations: Progress or problem?
When you think about technological innovations, the first thought that comes to mind is the goal-line technology and Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR). However, it goes beyond this, as the league has also embraced the development of digital platforms for fan engagement.
Goal-line technology has been around for a while now, and its introduction in 2014 showed the premier league was headed in the right direction. In almost 10 years, it’s hard to place a finger on a situation in which the technology went wrong.
VAR came into the picture during the 2019/2020 season after being used in several top European leagues. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) group, which is in charge of officiating Premier League matches, saw it as a way to bring clarity and fairness to the game. Five seasons later, the technology has been met with mixed reactions. However, this is not limited to the Premier League, as people across the world have found issues with its use.
Although VAR has corrected several on-field errors, such as penalty, foul play and offside calls, it has been criticised for interrupting the game’s flow and for the inconsistency in decision-making. Even if fans are not happy with the technology, it is here to stay. A vote was called to see if the technology would be used in the 2024/2025 season, and it ended 19-1. The voting procedure included the newly promoted teams. The only club to vote against the use of VAR was Wolves.
Looking into other innovations that do not make the news, the Premier League has embraced digital platforms for fan engagement, such as social media and streaming services. Although this is seen as the right way to reach millions of fans outside the UK, it could also alienate traditional match-going fans who feel that the in-stadium experience is being neglected.
Should the Premier League embrace more technology or reconsider its impact on traditional values? For now, many fans would like to see a break from new technology. This will definitely be a hot topic to review in the coming seasons.
Financial regulatory reforms: Evolution or excess?
The term FFP is often used by fans, especially when a team with huge financial backing spends lavishly on transfers. However, many do not understand the reason why Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules were created. In 2009, UEFA established FFP rules to prevent teams from falling into financial trouble, which could threaten their existence.
In 2009, UEFA discovered that more than half of 665 European clubs had incurred financial losses in the previous year, and at least 20% of the clubs examined were thought to be in financial trouble. This sparked the governing body to action. The restrictions also aim to prevent clubs from overspending throughout multiple seasons within a predetermined fiscal range.
The Premier League decided to restructure UEFA’s FFP rules, which are referred to as the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). However, these rules are seen as a leash on the big clubs, making the league fair for the smaller clubs to compete. Despite this, it was not the case last season, as Everton was found to be in breach of the laws, leading to an initial 10-point deduction before the deduction was reduced to six.
A discussion about financial regulations wouldn’t be complete without speaking about Manchester City. The Citizens are said to have made over 100 breaches; however, there is no verdict as the two parties are set to battle it out in the courtroom. This could have huge ramifications for the league, as several football enthusiasts have been calling for the head of the current Premier League champions.
The Premier League is further set to modernise their regulations in terms of finances. From 2025/2026, the new regulations will replace the limit cap with squad cost control, similar to that of the UEFA. Under the proposed regulations, clubs will spend a percentage of their annual turnover on wage bills, transfer fees and agents’ fees. The Premier League will have a two-tier system, with European clubs limited to 70% of spending and non-European clubs limited to 85%.
Analysing this, some people see the imposition of more stringent financial regulations as the right step towards modernisation. However, fans of clubs with financial backing might see it as a way to clip their wings and reduce their competitive edge against clubs in European competitions.
The global brand: Expansion or exploitation?
The Premier League is one of Britain’s most successful exports, with overseas TV rights worth over £5bn. Approximately 3.2 billion people across 188 countries watch the league, making it the most-watched sports league and most visited section of betting apps on the UK market, which is probably a contributing factor to the UK’s surprising iGaming market value, which is set to reach $13.78bn by the end of 2024 according to Statista.
This global reach has been a key driver of the league’s modernisation, with clubs touring abroad during the summer. With a huge following and generation of funds, accusations of exploitation are in the air.
Prior to the 2023/2024 season, the Premier League hosted a summer series event in the US. This was the second competition affiliated with the Premier League, as it has hosted several editions of the Premier League Asia Trophy. Some fans are of the opinion that in coming years, the league will want to have league games played abroad to maximise profits. However, this does not seem possible and games are more likely to be limited to domestic competitions, which is happening in Spain.
We can never say never anyway, but on this front, the Premier should stay put and turn its attention to its local roots and the fans who have supported the club for generations while maintaining its image on a global scale.
The future of the Premier League: Modernise or stabilise?
The Premier League stands at a crossroads, with the potential to further modernise or to consolidate its current position. While modernisation has brought significant benefits, it has also led to a sense of disconnection among a section of the fan base.
The league must consider whether further modernisation will enhance its brand or if it risks alienating the core elements that have contributed to its success.