How about a whole new approach which takes away the uncertainty about punishment for over spending, yet basically allows teams to spend within reason. I suggest something like a tiered system is introduced to make it crystal clear the outcome each season. For instance, set out the following punishments prior to any losses each season. Administration = Immediate Relegation, plus could be removed from league like Bury if not resolved. Agree then the following will apply based on overall profit/loss each season. Clubs must submit accounts by same set date or face additional punishments. Level the playing field then with the tiered system with points deducted at the end of each season. So for the Championship as an example... Losses under 3m = No penalty. >£3m and <=£4m (3 points penalty) >£4m and <=£6m (6 points deduction) >£6m and <= £8m (9 points deduction) >£8m and <=£12m (12 points deduction). >£12m and <=£20m (15 point deduction + Transfer Embargo for following season) >£20m (15 point deduction + Barred from promotion this season +Transfer Embargo for following season) We need to force football back to reality, even Barnsley would have to run a tighter ship to ensure that they run a club as a realistic business interest ie - break even. I suspect forcing stringent rules on teams may also pave the way for clubs to be run successfully by the local community associations, helping to bring football back to the fans. Clubs need to see TV money etc as an addition to their finances not the core for survival. Relying on TV deals will ultimately equal the end of the football league. We already had the warning shot from ITV digital fiasco, yet football ignored this warning. Yes, I know the premier league would never sign up to this, let them go bust eventually if that is the path they wish to take. Let the EFL sign a much less lucrative deal with a free to air broadcaster and again re-connect football to the fans. Championship downwards though something needs to happen quickly.
I don't think any ffp rules based on annual losses will work to be honest. There needs to be a salary cap based on turnover, but giving owners a way to invest extra funds into the club if they want. (i.e. they put the money in, and it's not a loan). Punishments can then be handed out as the offence is occurring. Avoids a scenario like at Derby, where Mel Morris was one game away from being a hero, when he was actually gambling the clubs future on an unlikely promotion.
That may still lead to owners buying success and when they pull the plug the club could be left in an unsustainable position.
Controversial opinion.. but i think owners should be allowed to spend as they see fit.. but, and this is the big thing, this should be done as a gift with no expectation of return or debt ridden onto the club. I have no problem with an owner coming in and wanting to spend their money on their passion and club, but have problems with investment groups coming into clubs trying to make it to the promised land and saddling the clubs with mountains of debt on a prayer.
