UK Edition
English Football League under fire as rebel Championship clubs demand change at the top
The English Football League is under renewed pressure from rebel Championship clubs, with interim chair Debbie Jevans facing an uncertain future.
Championship clubs are demanding a complete overhaul of the EFL’s board in a move which could shake up the running of English football outside the Premier League.
EFL officials met with representatives from the 24 Championship clubs at Derby’s Pride Park stadium on Thursday and were told there is no confidence in the existing board.
Clubs are insisting on governance reform and want a far bigger say in commercial deals, the new Profitability and Sustainability rules and the distribution of money across the leagues.
Derby, Leeds, Aston Villa, Preston, Stoke, Middlesbrough and West Brom are the leading clubs demanding change, though it is understood the 24 clubs in the Championship broadly share the same view.
Jevans is under scrutiny and will hold a board meeting next week in a fresh bid to find a solution. Her position is under threat as the clubs want to appoint their own chair and chief executive.
Shaun Harvey, the EFL’s current chief executive, has already been ousted and will step down at the end of the season.
The row has escalated after the EFL agreed a controversial five-year TV deal with Sky Sports in November.