WREXHAM, WALES - APRIL 26: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney co owners of Wrexham during the Sky Bet League One match between Wrexham AFC and Charlton Athletic FC at Racecourse Ground on April 26, 2025 in Wrexham, Wales. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Portsmouth Chief Warns Wrexham and Birmingham City Could “Distort” Championship Dynamics After Promotion
Byline: By [Your Name], Sports Correspondent
Date: May 30, 2025
As English football prepares for another thrilling season, Portsmouth’s Chief Executive Andrew Cullen has sounded a warning that two of the newest arrivals in the EFL Championship—Wrexham AFC and Birmingham City—could “potentially distort” the competitive balance of the division following their promotion.
Cullen’s comments have sparked widespread debate across football circles, with supporters and pundits weighing in on the implications of financially potent and historically significant clubs entering an already fiercely competitive league. Both Wrexham and Birmingham City will be playing in the Championship in the 2025/26 season, and according to Cullen, their presence is likely to be felt not only on the pitch but also in the boardrooms of rival clubs.
The Rise of Wrexham and Birmingham City
Wrexham’s story has been one of the most compelling in modern football. Having languished in the National League just a few years ago, the North Wales club was taken over by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2020. Since then, Wrexham has witnessed a meteoric rise, backed by strategic investments, enhanced global visibility, and a rejuvenated fanbase. After securing back-to-back promotions from League Two and League One, the club has now earned its place in the Championship for the first time in decades.
On the other hand, Birmingham City’s return to the second tier comes after a dramatic turnaround following their temporary drop to League One. The club, with a proud history that includes top-flight football and a League Cup title, bounced back under the stewardship of new ownership and an overhauled footballing structure. With billionaire American businessman Tom Wagner and the Knighthead Capital group spearheading their resurgence, Birmingham has signaled its intent to re-establish itself among England’s elite.
Cullen’s Warning: A Championship at Risk of Imbalance?
Speaking at a recent Portsmouth FC media briefing following the club’s own long-awaited promotion to the Championship, Chief Executive Andrew Cullen did not hold back in expressing his concerns about what the arrival of Wrexham and Birmingham could mean for financial parity and competitive balance in the league.
“There’s no doubt that clubs like Wrexham and Birmingham bring a lot of excitement and attention to the Championship,” Cullen said. “But we also have to acknowledge the potential for financial and structural imbalance. When you have clubs entering the division with considerably larger commercial muscle or financial backing than the rest, it can potentially distort the competition.”
Cullen clarified that his concerns were not rooted in animosity or rivalry but in the need to maintain a level playing field in what is already one of the most competitive leagues in European football.
“The Championship is unique because it includes clubs with Premier League experience, mid-sized community clubs, and now, entities with global investment portfolios. That mix is both our strength and, potentially, our vulnerability. The issue isn’t just money—it’s how that money is used to influence everything from player recruitment to facilities, marketing, and commercial leverage,” Cullen added.
Money Matters: Budget Disparities Loom Large
Cullen’s remarks come amid growing concerns from Championship clubs about budget disparities. While the league has always contained a mix of wealthier and less-resourced sides, the current trend of wealthy owners investing heavily in clubs has widened the financial gulf.
Wrexham’s ownership has been relatively conservative in their spending at lower levels, focusing instead on sustainable development, brand expansion, and community engagement. However, their rising commercial revenues—bolstered by streaming rights, merchandise sales, and sponsorship deals from North America—place them in a unique position financially.
Birmingham City, similarly, is believed to be working on significant stadium redevelopment plans and has invested heavily in its youth academy and recruitment infrastructure. With access to substantial private equity funding, the club is expected to be aggressive in the summer transfer market.
This financial muscle has prompted some Championship clubs to question how they can compete without risking financial fair play (FFP) breaches or unsustainable business models.
The “Wrexham Effect”: Disruption or Inspiration?
While Cullen warns of potential distortion, others see Wrexham and Birmingham’s rise as a breath of fresh air for the Championship.
Football commentator and former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan dismissed concerns of distortion, suggesting that Wrexham’s model represents a new era of club development.
“Wrexham’s story is not about financial doping—it’s about smart investment, savvy media, and creating an international brand that resonates with fans far beyond the UK,” Jordan said on his TalkSPORT show. “They haven’t thrown millions at aging superstars. Instead, they’ve focused on building infrastructure, connecting with the community, and putting in the hard yards.”
Indeed, the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series has brought the club to global prominence, with viewers from the United States to Asia becoming invested in the club’s journey. This unique mix of Hollywood glamour and grassroots authenticity has sparked a broader conversation about how lower-league clubs can evolve.
Still, the underlying concern remains: will the influx of commercial revenue and international attention eventually create a two-tier Championship, where some clubs enjoy vast off-pitch advantages?
Portsmouth’s Own Challenge
For Portsmouth, returning to the Championship is a proud moment. The club, which won the FA Cup in 2008 and played in the Premier League as recently as 2010, has undergone a lengthy rebuilding process marked by financial difficulty and fan-led governance.
Portsmouth’s model emphasizes sustainability, community ownership, and prudent management—traits that may be tested in a Championship landscape dominated by wealthier entities.
“We believe in what we’re building at Portsmouth,” Cullen said. “We’re not going to change who we are, but we must be aware of how the league is evolving. We need fair regulation, sensible FFP enforcement, and a clear understanding of what competition means at this level.”
EFL’s Role: Ensuring a Level Playing Field
As the Championship prepares for the 2025/26 campaign, the EFL is once again under pressure to manage the league’s financial ecosystem. The introduction of independent financial oversight, strengthened FFP rules, and profit-and-sustainability assessments are being discussed among league officials.
Cullen hinted at the need for stronger governance from the EFL to ensure clubs are operating on similar terms.
“It’s not about stopping investment—it’s about making sure that no club is gaining an unfair advantage that undermines the competitive spirit. Fans want excitement, but they also want fairness,” he concluded.
Conclusion: A League in Transition
The Championship has long been regarded as one of the most unpredictable and entertaining leagues in Europe, a melting pot of fallen giants, rising underdogs, and ambitious rebuilders. The addition of Wrexham and Birmingham City injects a new dimension—one that could redefine the division’s dynamics for years to come.
As Portsmouth, Wrexham, Birmingham, and others prepare for the battles ahead, one thing is certain: the 2025/26 season is set to be a fascinating clash of philosophies, ambitions, and resources.
Whether Cullen’s fears of distortion materialize or whether Wrexham and Birmingham inspire a new model for success remains to be seen. But one way or another, the Championship is changing—and everyone’s paying attention.
