EFL rule out Premier League ‘B teams’ entering league pyramid in plans to reform the structure of English football

FA also confirm clubs from non-English leagues or those outside English football pyramid will not form part of the plans.

PREMIER LEAGUE ‘B teams’ will not be entering the EFL pyramid in the proposed Whole Game Solution.

After consultation with the 72 league clubs on the divisive issue, it’s been confirmed that no U23 sides will enter the league structure under the news plans.

The EFL Trophy has this season seen Premier League and Championship clubs enter their under-23 sides but has been met with dismal attendances and a backlash from fans of lower league clubs.

Originally there was talk of B teams entering the pyramid in a new ‘League Three’ which hoped to mimic the systems currently in place around Europe and improve homegrown talent.

A statement from the EFL read: “Following a meeting of its clubs on Thursday (22 September), the EFL confirmed that the inclusion of Premier League B Teams, clubs from non-English leagues or those outside the English football pyramid will not form part of any ongoing discussions for the ‘Whole Game Solution’.

“EFL clubs have been collectively discussing the fundamental issue of reforming the structure of English league football for the first time since agreeing to assess ideas put forward by the EFL Board at last summer’s Annual General Meeting.”

It’s also been confirmed that clubs currently outside the English system won’t be brought in – ruling out any chance of Celtic and Rangers competing south of the border.

EFL Chief Executive 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 and our announcement today comes as a result of their valued input.

“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.”