Ever since the 1995-96 season, the Premier League has consisted of 20 teams.
But in the future there may be a reduction of two teams.
This is one of the big changes that Manchester United and Liverpool are working for.
The proposal: Lose weight in the league
This is revealed today by the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph, which has come across documents showing that the two big clubs - who expect the proposals to be supported by the other four "Big Six teams" (Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham ) - are the driving forces in a major change effort, which they call "Project Big Picture".
One of the proposals is to slim down the league with two teams, and that the biggest clubs should have more to say about, which would be a big change from today's system, where all clubs have one vote each.
The nine clubs that have played the longest in the Premier League (where the "big six" are included), will have to decide basically everything, according to the proposal.
Discussions started in 2017
Other notable changes include the closure of the League Cup and Community Shield (the match between the league and cup champions), and a change in the system of promotion and relegation.
Under the new proposal, the two best-placed teams in the Championship will be moved up, while the third, fourth and fifth will play a playoff tournament together with the 16-placed Premier League team for the last place in the top division.
The Telegraph writes that the discussions began in 2017, and has gained further momentum since the corona pandemic began, which has led to major financial problems for many clubs.
Rick Parry, chairman of the English league organization EFL, supports the proposals.
- Our clubs see it as if the big six get some benefits, but the other 72 also get it, then we are ready to do this, says Parry.
- It will definitely be a challenge, and it is a huge change, so it will not happen without some pain.
But do I seriously believe that this is the right thing to do for the sport as a whole?
Absolutely.
And if the big six get some benefits, why shouldn't they?
As compensation for making so many major changes, £ 250 million (almost SEK 2.9 billion) will go as a rescue package to EFL, to help them through the corona crisis.