Stoke City’s transfer moves have been restricted by strict financial fair play rules.
The Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), also known as Financial Fair Play (FFP), will remain unchanged for at least another season. This decision was confirmed at a recent Premier League shareholders’ meeting in London, despite public criticism from clubs like Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United.
The EFL is expected to mirror the Premier League’s stance, maintaining the same regulations for the 2025/26 season. Discussions about potential alternatives—such as squad cost ratio (SCR) limits or spending “anchoring”—could not reach a consensus. The Professional Footballers’ Association also raised concerns about these proposed measures.
Manchester United’s owners, INEOS, are tightening their spending by enforcing layoffs to free up funds for squad improvements. Everton experienced the harsh reality of PSR with a points deduction for a breach, while Aston Villa sold Jhon Duran to comply with financial limits after an initial offer of Ollie Watkins to Arsenal fell through. Villa’s proposal to raise the loss limit from £105m to £135m over three seasons was rejected last summer.
Championship clubs operate under the same rules but with a lower £41.5m loss limit over a three-year period. Stoke City, among other clubs, has voiced frustration that these rules have widened the gap between the Premier League and Championship, especially between clubs with parachute payments and those without.
Stoke City chairman John Coates shared his views during a meeting with the Stoke City Connect fan panel. He emphasized the importance of hard work and accountability at the club and outlined his thoughts on PSR. Coates stated that the current Championship rules are “not fit for purpose” and advocated for a League One and League Two-style model where owners can invest as equity. While Coates believes changes are inevitable, predicting whether they will happen by the 2025/26 season remains uncertain.
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