The EFL says it is “now more important than ever” that football’s independent regulator has the power to impose a funding deal after Premier League clubs failed to make the EFL an offer earlier this week.

Top-flight sources had expressed hope prior to Monday’s shareholder meeting that an offer projected to be worth £900million extra to the EFL over six years would finally be made, but in the end nothing was forthcoming, with clubs instead focused on agreeing new financial rules in the Premier League first.

A statement from the EFL said its board was “clearly disappointed” at Premier League clubs’ “repeated failure” to put forward an offer.

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The EFL statement added: “The league and its clubs have been pushing for a new funding offer from the Premier League and remain ready and waiting to consider and conclude a new arrangement.

“Whilst it has been expected on a number of occasions, the lack of positive progress once again demonstrates how difficult an issue this is for football to address without independent input.

“Despite pressure from Government, fans and united voices across the professional game, the latest development represents a further setback and the league now awaits a formal update from the Premier League as to how it proposes to re-engage on its latest commitment to deliver ‘a sustainably funded financial agreement with the EFL’.

“The EFL has repeatedly said that financial redistribution coupled with enhanced cost controls are needed to help achieve its overriding objective of making EFL clubs financially sustainable and competitive, so that they can continue to serve their supporters and communities long into the future, no matter what level of the pyramid they play in.

“The league eagerly anticipates the introduction of the Football Governance Bill given it is now more important than ever that the independent regulator is provided necessary powers to secure the long-term sustainability of the pyramid.

“We look forward to continuing further engagement with Government and MPs and peers from all parties. In particular, it is really important that work commences on the much-needed state of the game review at the earliest possible opportunity as this will provide the objective basis for a sustainable football model.”