The FA is to ask the Premier League to reduce the elite division from 20 clubs to 18, according to Henry Winter of the LONDON TIMES. The FA argues that this would give leading clubs "more breathing space" as they contest European honors and would also help England. The plan has been devised by FA Chair Greg Dyke, who has been seeking ways to "revive the national team’s fortunes." Dyke is to speak to EPL CEO Richard Scudamore about his idea of "cutting two clubs from the top division." Given the "obvious impact on the Sky Bet Championship, the Football League would also need to be consulted." Dyke's proposal is that after the move to 18 clubs, the Premier League would "become two up, two down." He believes that the "reduced jeopardy may encourage those Premier League clubs wary of relegation to embrace his plan." The "most immediate stumbling block" for Dyke’s plan is that broadcasting contracts have been agreed to show a 20-club league until '19. The Premier League has consistently argued that the crowded calendar "should be addressed by looking at cup competitions, and particularly replays in the FA Cup." Dyke's proposal "may get short shrift from Scudamore but at least he will stir debate" among clubs over freeing up time during "demanding" European periods. Spain, France and Italy all have 20-club divisions while Germany’s Bundesliga is 18 "but all four leagues have winter breaks and lack the intense cup combat of English football" (LONDON TIMES, 11/28).
