Post by Taxigirl on Dec 3, 2003 18:22:58 GMT
The Premiership could be on a collision course with Fifa president Sepp Blatter after he called for top divisions to be cut to 16 teams.
Blatter wants smaller divisions in order to reduce the number of matches played by top footballers.
But the Premiership, which has 20 teams, is in no mood to cut its numbers, which would lead to a reduction in income for clubs.
"The number of teams playing in the Premier League is a matter for the FA and ourselves," said a Premier League spokesman.
"We have no plans, and nor is there any appetite from our member clubs, to reduce the number of teams in our competition."
Blatter wants to limit clubs to 45 games a season, and intends to put the plan to a vote of Fifa's executive committee.
If the motion gets the backing of a majority of Fifa's members, Blatter could expel any national association that does not apply the rule.
"We are going to propose 30 league matchdays and 15 other dates for other national competitions, such as cups," said Blatter.
"Now it's up to the national federations to see how they can work out these 45 matchdays."
The plan is likely to be unpopular throughout Europe and to be contested by the G14 group of Europe's most powerful clubs.
Premiership clubs play 38 league games, and up to 13 games in the FA and Carling Cups, giving a total maximum of 51.
Without reducing the Premiership, clubs could get under the 45-game mark by withdrawing from the Carling Cup.
Blatter recently upset Manchester United by saying that Rio Ferdinand should not be allowed to play until the case of his missed drugs test is resolved.