EFL KEEN TO WIDEN REVAMP DEBATE...
THE EFL have pledged that dialogue will continue with a range of parties – including fans – after the decision was made to veto Premier League B teams. A six-week consultation process with the 72 clubs, who are expected to vote on a final proposal in June 2017 which could then come into effect in 2019-20, saw consideration of the issues of regionalisation, the number of teams per division, divisional restructure, a winter break and from where in the game the additional teams would come from. The majority of these issues will continue to be assessed as discussions take place over the next two months, but the option of sourcing additional clubs from anywhere but the National League has been withdrawn. In addition, feedback has confirmed that clubs in League One, Two and the proposed League Three would want to play through a winter break if introduced. After a meeting with member clubs on Thursday, EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “At the very outset of this process it was made clear that any decisions in respect of the future direction of the Whole Game Solution would be taken by clubs themselves. “I am extremely grateful for their candour and support during the first part of this consultation that will ultimately help shape a final proposal for voting on in June next year. “The logical place for many was to source the additional teams for League Three from the National League but we felt it important that the debate was introduced at an early stage and an opportunity was provided for all club owners and executives to voice any opinions and, where applicable, table concerns. “We will now continue our consultation with the National League with a little more certainty as to what any change could mean for them. These conversations will include the FA in their capacity as the governing body not a competition organiser. “In addition, our dialogue will continue with the Premier League as we focus on ensuring we achieve our specific and primary objective of improving distributable revenue to our clubs and reaching a format that benefits the EFL, its competitions and the wider professional game. “The next round of consultation will also see us undertake some work with fan groups and other stakeholders to ensure that those people who are invested in the future of our game are given an opportunity to register their views.”