Premier League meeting Q&A: Inside the 'Big Six' TV deal vote so toxic even Gary Neville doesn't want to see Manchester United succeed

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Board members of all 20 Premier League clubs met in London on Wednesday for a summit described as the most significant since the competition was created in 1992. 

The main item on the agenda was a redistribution of the international TV cash, weighted heavily in favour of the 'Big Six' clubs in the top flight. No final decision was made on the bold plans, with all members agreeing to take more time for further discussions in the future.

There is widespread criticism of the Big Six's demands, with former United defender Gary Neville calling the proposal a huge mistake, but it still may succeed despite opposition. Here, Sportsmail looks at why.

Gary Neville has said it would be a mistake to allow the distribution rights to change

The former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit took to Twitter with his views

Aren't these types of Premier League meetings fairly standard?

Yes, leading figures at top-flight sides routinely meet to discuss issues of the day but on the agenda for this one was how funds from international broadcast rights are distributed. And changes might be afoot. 

The big six Premier League clubs want a greater share of the next multi-billion-pound contract, which will run between 2019-22, prompting an inevitable divide of opinion.

What is Manchester United and Co's argument?

The richest six clubs – both Manchester teams, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham – say that the Premier League generates monumental finance mainly because of them, and not the other 14 top-flight sides. 

The traditional elite want a larger slice of the pot from matches televised abroad than the current equitable share that has been in place for the past 25 years. 

Those six argue the Premier League was able to raise £3billion for 2016–19 – £39m annually per club – because people in Tokyo or Tampa want to see the best, and not necessarily the rest.

Manchester City are currently top of the Premier League and want a larger slice of the TV pie

Presumably the others have something to say on the matter?

Yes, there is strong resistance to any changes from those you would imagine. Those clubs who customarily earmark survival as the campaign's ambition insist the top teams are already much richer through commercial deals and domestic prize pools, and further enhancement of bank balances would distort a playing field that is the most level of any quality European league. 

They say fair competition – where those at the bottom can beat those higher up – is what makes the Premier League marketable. It is understood though that Everton, West Ham, and Leicester are open to a shift towards weighting payments depending on finishing position – a sign of their ultimate aspirations.

West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold are believed to be backing the change

Surely the Premier League want to continue as a united body?

Exactly, but it is not that straightforward. 

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore – who has extracted increasingly eye-popping figures from both domestic and foreign TV markets – has proposed an alteration that would see 35 per cent of the revenue from abroad divided according to final placing.

However, any changes need to be passed by a two-thirds majority vote, and no final decision was made on Wednesday.

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore (left) has proposed the alteration

So, with only nine clubs in favour, that is the end of it?

Again, not that simple. There are fears that the big six would revisit plans for a European super league should they not get their wishes.

Perhaps more realistically they would push again for more live matches or staging games abroad. 

Scudamore is understandably keen to navigate negotiations towards a compromise that would satisfy all members and keep the Premier League intact, hence his proposal.