Clubs divided over plans for a fifth division of the Football League
English league football could get a fifth division under sweeping changes being considered for introduction in 2019-20.
The current 92-club, four-division system would become five tiers of 20 teams, in a move designed to ease fixture congestion.
If approved, the plans could pave the way for a long-discussed winter break and for many FA Cup fixtures to be moved to midweek.
Read more: Who is the Chinese businessman buying Aston Villa for £60m?
“There are clear benefits for everyone,” said Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey. “It is about taking a step back to try to work out what is best for English football.”
For the measures to be passed 90 per cent of the 72 Football League clubs – the three divisions directly below the Premier League – would have to vote in favour next summer.
Initial reaction from clubs was mixed, with Rotherham, Bradford and Accrington critical of the plans but Leyton Orient more positive.
The Football Association (FA) said it was broadly supportive of what it called “interesting draft proposals”.
“We have said for some time that English football needs to look again at the congested fixture schedule for the benefit of all,” the FA added.