Plan Arises For Premier League Two Division Split

Ahead of bi-monthly meeting of the Premier League chairmen this week, one such shareholder has reportedly put forward a plan to split the English top-flight into two divisions with the addition of Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers.

A proposal reportedly drawn up by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside would see the two divisions each contain 18 teams, freeing more weekends for international preparation and games.

The move would also see the clubs who at the moment face a huge drop in income after relegation to the Coca-Cola Championship lose less money.

Whilst the item is not on the agenda for the Premier League meeting, it is thought that Gartside will use to opportunity to seek the thoughts of his counterparts on the idea.

In theory, the addition of the two Glasgow clubs should provide a stiffer test for Scotland’s top two clubs and also generate more enthusiasm from broadcasters and fans.

That would make up some of the money each club would lose if the Premier League is expanded from 20 to 36 clubs.

At the moment, teams relegated to the Championship are given £11.5m a year for two years for lost television income if they drop out of the top flight and are not promoted back into it.

Gartside’s plan, which will need the approval of 14 out of 20 Premier League chairmen, would offer more financial stability to teams in the lower half of the Premier League, who would then be able to plan for the future with greater certainty.

However, a major obstacle comes in the form of UEFA, the European governing body, which has consistently said that teams will not be allowed to play in leagues outside their own country.

The plan would also need sign-off from The Football Association, the Scottish Football Association and the Football League.