Wednesday 16 November 2016 14:48, UK
The English Football League (EFL) has pulled out of discussions over the 'Whole Game Solution', a proposal that could significantly alter the structure of domestic football.
The Whole Game Solution was designed to tackle some key issues faced by the EFL's 72 clubs and football in general, through consultation with the Premier League and the FA.
Possible divisional restructure and fixture scheduling were due to be discussed but the EFL has issued a statement confirming they are no longer prepared to take an active part in proceedings, with the issue of moving some FA Cup games to midweek the main source of disagreement.
But the EFL's stance has surprised the FA, according to Sky sources, with the possibility of FA Cup fixtures moving from weekends to weekdays understood to be non-negotiable and never on the agenda.
An FA spokesman said: "The FA remains fully committed to working with the EFL and the Premier League to address the issue of fixture congestion in the professional game.
"This is why we are trialling the removal of sixth-round replays in the FA Cup this season and why we supported the EFL in consulting on its innovative ideas for reform. That commitment remains."
The EFL confirmed earlier on Wednesday they were withdrawing from discussions, with the two bodies seemingly at loggerheads over the issue.
"The EFL Board has today announced that they will cease discussions on the Whole Game Solution with immediate effect after the Football Association [FA] informed them they were no longer prepared to consider rescheduling FA Cup fixtures into midweek slots," the statement read.
"The decision has been taken with significant regret and disappointment and brings to an end the EFL-led debate on the possibility of the single biggest reform of the English League structure since the inception of the Premier League in 1992.
"In order for the Whole Game Solution to be viable, it required the English football authorities to look collectively at the fixture schedules and create additional weekends for League football.
"However, after seeking clarification on the FA's position following the recent announcement of their new international broadcasting deal, the EFL were informed that there was no longer a sufficient advantage for the FA in making the changes."
Shaun Harvey, EFL chief executive, said: "As a result of the FA's decision, the board has been left with no option but to end the Whole Game Solution discussions as, in its current form, it is no longer viable.
"If the weekend slots are not available, then there is simply no way we can meet the financial conditions [to be no worse off] as outlined at the very outset.
"The stance the FA has adopted has brought the discussions to a premature end, before fully understanding what the financial outcome from the creation of a new distribution model could be.
"If the FA are willing to change its position, then we are, of course, open to re-engaging in what is a hugely important debate that was designed to help shape the future of football in this country."
