The Premier League is looking at paying the police up to £10million, so they can give permission for teams to play “risk” matches in lucrative late television slots.
According to Mail Sport, top-flight officials have been moved to act amid a growing reluctance from forces to cover games between rivals – at which there is a higher probability of trouble – later in the day.
Although the Premier League refused to comment, sources insist that no form of payment could guarantee kick-off times.
However, it is also believed that a range of options are being considered “to support police in keeping match-goers and communities safe”.
But if such a deal goes through, it may well prove highly contentious.
Another source described it as “nothing but a sweetener” and “yet another example of the Premier League and its clubs trying to buy their way out of trouble”.