The EFL has confirmed that the 'B' teams of Premier League clubs will definitely not be considered for entry to the English football pyramid as it continues to look at plans to reform the structure of the Football League.
The EFL has been looking for ways to improve competition formats and build club revenues as part of the 'Whole Game Solution'. But after a meeting between representatives of all 72 clubs on Thursday that will not now include the addition of second string Premier League sides.
BREAKING: Whole Game Solution - Premier League B Teams ruled out following first phase of consultation >> https://t.co/hG6TRSa2rk pic.twitter.com/d55yAPTN98
It was a highly controversial proposition that would have replicated the model in Spain where the likes of Barcelona B and Real Madrid Castilla currently compete with professional senior clubs in the divisions below La Liga.
An additional 'League Three' still remains on the table, but it now seems as though extra clubs needed for that will come from those in the National League instead, the highest non-league level in the pyramid.
A final vote on the various proposed changes, such as divisional structure and the addition of a winter break to the calendar, will take place at the end of the current season in June of 2017. Premier League 'B' teams will not even be part of the discussion after today's verdict, with EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey thanking the 72 clubs for their "valued input".
"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," he said to EFL.com.
"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."
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