Premier League chief executive Richard Masters is facing mounting criticism from a significant group of clubs who have united in opposition to his leadership over a number of issues. 

Mail Sport can reveal that seven of the clubs who refused the back the Premier League’s introduction of new associated party transaction rules [APT] this week were among the eight who voted down proposals to ban loan transfers last November, leading to concerns amongst the executive over the emergence of a group of serial rebels.

Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United are understood to have voted against the Premier League at a tense shareholders’ meeting on Friday, with Crystal Palace and Burnley believed to have abstained. 

The Premier League were left grateful to Wolves, who surprised many by voting in favour having previously opposed rules designed to prevent clubs from signing commercial deals with related companies at inflated prices. 

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters is facing mounting criticism from a significant group of clubs

There are concerns amongst the executive over the emergence of a group of serial rebels in the Premier League

Wolves were one of the eight clubs who blocked the introduction of a ban on loan deals between clubs who are part of the same ownership group last November, along with City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Everton, Forest, Sheffield United and Burnley.

Wolves are understood to have altered their position due to the Premier League amending the APT regulations, although this change was not enough to mollify the other rebels. In another concerning development for the Premier League Crystal Palace appear to have joined the list of unhappy clubs by abstaining on Friday.

Masters’ position is not under immediate threat as he is busily engaged fighting for the Premier League on a number of fronts including their opposition to an independent regulator and negotiations with the EFL over the so-called New Deal for Football, but he is facing mounting complaints. 

In addition to this week’s vote there is considerable unhappiness amongst the clubs over the Premier League’s position on a number of key issues, including their enforcement of Profit and Sustainability Rules, proposed changes to the loan system and the financial settlement to be offered to the EFL as part of the New Deal.

The Premier League clubs appear as divided as they have been in the competition’s 32-year history, as there are also disagreements over their future TV rights and digital strategies. Just as significantly the divides are not neatly aligned along the traditional fault line of Big Six versus the rest, which is making life even harder for the Premier League’s leadership.

City are threatening to take legal action against the Premier League on the grounds that the APT restrictions breach competition law

Masters retains the support of the majority of clubs, but the rebels can still make life distinctly uncomfortable for him

Masters retains the support of the majority of clubs, but the rebels can still make life distinctly uncomfortable for him. A backlash from clubs over the Premier League’s handling of Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian takeover led to the sudden resignation of chairman Gary Hoffmann three years ago.

Masters is well-liked personally and there is a feeling among many clubs that his job has become almost impossible due to the range of powerful and competing vested interests currently running Premier League clubs. 

The 55-year-old has also had to contend with an unprecedented range of challenges during his four-year reign, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the European Super League, Newcastle’s Saudi takeover and the rise of multi-club ownership, as well as the ongoing battle with government over regulation.

The Premier League declined to comment.