Football League proposes new structure

Concern about fixture congestion has led the Football League to propose a new structure below the Premier League, also opening up the possibility of a winter break.   The number of clubs would increase from 72 to 80.  

Concern about fixture congestion has led the Football League to propose a new structure below the Premier League, also opening up the possibility of a winter break.   The number of clubs would increase from 72 to 80.  

The ‘two unfortunates’ have denounced a ‘half-baked proposal.’   Another well-written critique of a proposal that hasn’t gone down too well with fans can be found here.

The Football League has distributed a discussion document to its member clubs
ahead of its summer conference and AGM next month.  Clubs are being asked to
consider the re-organisation of the domestic league system into five divisions
of 20 teams from the 2019/20 season.

Under this proposal the Football League would become a four division competition below the Premier League.

The structure would include a new League Three, with 100 clubs competing across the professional
game. In addition, the League Cup and League Trophy will be retained with the
latter potentially having a revised format include a group structure of three
games before becoming a knockout competition thereafter.

The Board of The Football League is offering no recommendation other than asking
clubs to give the matter their full consideration, taking into account the
following:

  • Football League Clubs should be in a financially no worse,
    or preferably better, position as a result of any changes;
  • Promotion
    to/relegation from the Premier League must be retained at three places;
  • There would be no relegation out of The Football League in season 2018/19;
  • Football League Clubs must support the final proposal.