Liverpool's desire for individual distribution of international television rights has gained opposition whitch now includes fellow Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea.
Earlier this week, Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre voiced the club's desire to break from collective distribution of international television rights, in favor of allowing clubs to negotiate their own licensing deals.
Ayre's sentiment has already been harshly criticized by clubs such as Wigan Athletic and Stoke City, something to be expected as the smaller clubs would earn less revenue than under the current system.
However, it is somewhat surprising that United and Chelsea, two clubs who would stand to commercially benefit from individual licensing, have voiced their opposition to the proposed system.
"We are supportive of the Premier League on this and want to continue with the way they sell [TV rights] collectively," said an official Chelsea spokesman, according to the Guardian.
A switch to individual international licensing, akin to the current Spanish system, would greatly expand Liverpool's revenue, allowing the club to operate more competitively under Financial Fairplay Rules.
Now, with opposition coming from fellow EPL heavy hitters, it seems unlikely that there will be the necessary support to force a change in the near future.
