Football League proposals explained

The Football League has announced radical proposals to change the league format – but what does all it mean? We answer the key questions.

What is being proposed?

A radical revamp of the Football League structure that would see the English professional game expanded to five leagues, each with 20 teams.

Currently the structure is four leagues, with 20 teams in the Premier League and 24 in each of the Championship, League One and League Two.

The proposed changes would see the introduction of a ‘League Three’ and also see a major cutback to midweek league fixtures.

When is this planned for?

The Football League has contacted all professional clubs to explain the ideas – with the aim of bringing the changes into effect for the 2019/20 season.

Discussions will continue over the course of next season, before a decision is made in June 2017. 

Is it set in stone?

No. The Football League will seek a decision from clubs at their AGM in June 2017, with a final decision to be confirmed by November of that year.

In order to get the proposal over the line, 90 per cent of the 92 league clubs have to agree to the changes. 

Why the proposed changes?

The thinking behind the proposal is to ease the demands of the fixture list. A 20-team league would mean no midweek fixtures, which in turn would ease players’ workloads to give them a greater turnaround between matches and reduce costs and travel demands for fans. 

The Football League also believes more professionals playing – and with increased recovery time – could help England’s national …

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