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EFL needs to rebuild trust with clubs after TV deal

After a row between the EFL and some member clubs over a new TV deal with Sky, an independent report has found procedural failings in the way the matter was dealt with. The row led to Shaun Harvey stepping down as chief executive. His temporary replacement, executive chairwoman Debbie Jevans, has admitted that trust needs to be rebuilt between the EFL and clubs and the board will review how decisions on TV contracts are made.

After a number of clubs expressed concern about how the new five year deal was pushed through last November, an independent report was commissioned from Harbottle and Lewis. They are a a London based law firm with over 60 years-experience advising technology, media and entertainment clients. The findings were sent to clubs in a confidential letter, but inevitably this has leaked and its contents were published in The Times yesterday.

It found there was confusion over the composition of the commercial committee. It was not clear whether four members of the committee were entitled to vote. Three voted in favour of the Sky deal which prevented the clubs from blocking it.

All this adds weight to the view that the EFL is not fit for purpose.

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