The Football League is looking to re-structure the English football league format, by creating a five-league format.
A 20-club league format would be introduced by the Football League by 2019-20, which has been backed by the FA and Premier League.
An additional eight clubs could be promoted from the National League, to help set up the new format.
The format is subject to approval from 65 league clubs at next year's AGM.
Why is this format going to be set up?
The new format could:
A 20-club league format would be introduced by the Football League by 2019-20, which has been backed by the FA and Premier League.
An additional eight clubs could be promoted from the National League, to help set up the new format.
The format is subject to approval from 65 league clubs at next year's AGM.
Why is this format going to be set up?
The new format could:
- Ensure more games are played during weekends and public holidays
- Remove fixture congestion
- Help clubs earn more money
- Move the play-offs to the final weekend of the domestic league season
How would the format come into place?
- Football League clubs will vote at next year's AGM, with 90% of clubs needed to back the proposal
- Promotion and relegation in the 2018-19 season would need to be decided
Where will the league gain teams?
- The league will gain teams from the National League, where six teams would be promoted in the 2018-19 season.
Could the move help the league in cup competitions?
The FA and Premier League believes benefits could be gained for clubs in non-leaguee tournaments:
- It could increase the prospect of success for clubs in Europe
- It will 'retain the value and status' of the FA Cup
- Avoid fixture clashes with UEFA events
- Allow the FA Cup final to be the final event of the season.
How would the format help clubs and fans?
- Travel costs to games would be reduced
- Potential to reduce squad numbers > making reserve football more important
- Reduced midweek games
- Increase in season ticket sales predicted
- At least six new clubs for teams to play