FA chairman Greg Dyke wants to cut the size of the Premier League to eighteen clubs to boost the fortunes of the national team.
Any such plan would require a vote of 75 per cent of clubs in favour and it might be questioned why they would vote for it. However, Dyke has suggested that the number of clubs relegated could be reduced to two. Also, if there were fewer clubs, the pot going to each club would be bigger.
FA chairman Greg Dyke wants to cut the size of the Premier League to eighteen clubs to boost the fortunes of the national team.
Any such plan would require a vote of 75 per cent of clubs in favour and it might be questioned why they would vote for it. However, Dyke has suggested that the number of clubs relegated could be reduced to two. Also, if there were fewer clubs, the pot going to each club would be bigger.
However, broadcasting contracts lock in a 20-club league until 2019. The Premier League’s argument has always been that cup competitions should be reduced, cutting out FA Cup replays. Needless to say, this does not go down well with traditionalists at the FA or with many fans.
The FA has always wanted a winter break. Many clubs favour this, as does players, who could jet off to the sun. However, the Premier League sees great broadcasting revenue gains from playing while other leagues are hibernating.
The last restructuring was in 1995 when the Premier League was reduced from 22 clubs to 20 under pressure from Fifa. Four clubs were relegated and two promoted to make the adjustment.
Italy, France and Spain have the same number of clubs in their top league as the Premier League, but Germany and Portugal have just 18 while Scotland has 12. Luxembourg manages 14.
The Football Association have now denied that this story has any basis. It would, however, not be out of line with their thinking and it is possible that some ‘kite flying’ was going on.