Two-tier Pl Plans Emerge Again

The long-mooted proposals to split the Premier League into two divisions and to significantly expand its membership, including the addition of Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers, are to be put forward again at a meeting of the league’s chairmen this week.

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside will pitch plans for a two-tier league of between 36 and 40 teams to the Premier League board.

It is understood that the plans would stipulate a top tier of 18 clubs, with promotion and relegation to and from the league.

The proposals are a revival of Gartside’s ideas which received a hostile reception from the Premier League’s 20 chairmen six months ago.

However, Gartside, the driving force behind the revamp, has tweaked the original plans to include promotion and relegation to and from the dual-tier league, while the two Scottish clubs would initially be invited to join the lower tier.

The Bolton chairman is also believed to be open to inviting an Irish franchise into the league in the future.