Project Big Picture is a ‘sugar coated cyanide pill’, claims FSA

The FSA has raised concerns about the drastic proposals led by Manchester United and Liverpool to restructure the English football pyramid

EFL chief executive Rick Parry has defended ‘Project Big Picture’ and has attempted to explain why football needs to change (Getty)

Project Big Picture has been labelled as "a sugar coated cyanide pill" by the Football Supporters' Association.

The FSA raised concerns about the drastic proposals led by Manchester United and Liverpool to restructure the English football pyramid.

The fear from the FSA’s point of view is that the long-term challenges far outweigh the short-term financial benefits, with clubs in a vulnerable position amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Rick Parry, the chair of the Football League (EFL), is pushing for the deal, which has been labelled by many as a power grab.

The top flight would be reduced to 18 teams, with a commitment to pass on 25 per cent of the league's revenue to EFL clubs, in addition to a £250 million rescue fund as a one-off payment.

Rick Parry is spearheading Project Big Picture alongside Liverpool owner John W Henry (Rex)

"While Project Big Picture dangles an alleged 250 million pounds 'rescue fund' in front of clubs to cover lost revenues during the 2019-20 season they might actually be a sugar coated cyanide pill," the FSA said in a statement.

"Apparently 'money will be advanced to the EFL from increased future revenues'. Is there a guarantee that the money will even materialise? The entire package is based on projected revenues which are, in turn, based on the current media deal.

"Under the proposals top-flight clubs retain eight games per season which they can sell directly via their own platforms, rather than broadcasting in the traditional manner. Would broadcasters pay more money for fewer games?"

The proposal also outlines how the Premier League's 'big six' clubs would acquire more power in decision-making with the FSA concerned that a "small handful of billionaire owners" will be allowed to dictate how English football should be run.

The FSA have raised fears over a potentially closed league given the prospect of lopsided voting power, with the prospect of promotion and relegation being ended.

"As six clubs can set the rules, who could stop them ending relegation from the Premier League and creating a franchise system like they have in US sports? No one," the FSA added.

"Who could stop them from rewriting the rules in a few years so that the top six keep all the media money? No one. Who could stop them cutting funding entirely to the EFL or grassroots football? No one."