Lower divisions halt parachute increases

A move to double parachute payments for clubs relegated from the top-flight ended in deadlock yesterday after League One and Two chairmen blocked the change.

Fears that the proposals by the Premier League, which would see payments rise from £24million over two seasons to £48m over four years, would affect the balance of competition led to an impasse at a meeting of the 72 Football League clubs.

It is understood that Championship clubs were broadly in favour of the increase but an unnamed Championship chairman insisted there was no danger of a breakaway. He said: "Understandably the Championship clubs were in favour because it means a lot more money for them but the League One and Two sides are worried it will create a big gap. But there is no appetite for a breakaway – we need to sort this out between ourselves."