LIVERPOOL FC are facing a backlash over their controversial call for clubs to negotiate their own overseas television rights.

And outspoken Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has claimed the move would “kill the heart and soul” of English football.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre caused a stir earlier this week by suggesting leading clubs should receive a greater share of income from foreign Premier League broadcasts.

The current deal, which expires at the end of next season and is separate to domestic television rights, is worth £1.4billion over three years and is shared equally between all 20 clubs, equating to £17.9m per club per year.

Liverpool had privately thought they would receive backing from clubs who would stand to gain from a change in the collective selling principle.

However, none of their main four rivals – Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea – have come out to support the proposal.

And the move has angered many of the smaller Barclays Premier League outfits, with Wigan Athletic’s owner Whelan particularly indignant.

“I have just read his (Ayre’s) comments and I find them diabolical – I just can’t believe what he has been saying,” said Whelan.

“They are thinking ‘how can we get more money?’.

“Well, you won’t get more money by killing the heart and soul of the Premier League and killing the heart and soul of football in England.

“We invented the game and we have still got the finest league in the whole world and some of the finest supporters in the whole world and they (Liverpool) want to rip the whole thing up.”