The Premier League faces the prospect of legal action from three of football's most influential agencies ahead of a vote on introducing a salary cap. CAA Stellar, CAA Base and Wasserman have jointly warned league chiefs they will challenge the measure if it is approved on Friday.
The proposed 'anchoring' system would limit clubs' spending to five times the prize money and broadcast revenue paid to the bottom-placed side, effectively capping outlay at £550 million. Supporters argue it would create a more competitive competition.
The agencies, whose clients include Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, Curtis Jones and John Stones, believe the cap would breach competition law. Their threat follows a similar warning from the Professional Footballers' Association, which has also vowed to fight any move.
The plan is not universally supported, with Manchester City and Manchester United among the clubs opposed. They fear the cap would drive top talent abroad. In an earlier ballot, Arsenal was one of 16 clubs in favour; 14 votes are needed for implementation.
PFA chief executive Maheta Molango said: "The reality is that you cannot artificially cap someone's ability to make a living as this would just not withstand any legal challenge." One club executive added: "This will kill the status as the best league in the world and all the money that brings."
The PFA is scheduled to meet all 20 club captains this week amid warnings of civil war. The Championship is also considering a similar system, though it could face the same divisions.
