Seventh Heaven

The FA are considering revolutionising the way the Premier League takes place with a new initiative proposed by Richard Schudamore.

In his proposal, Schudamore sets out a new play-off system that would enable teams finishing fourth to seventh a chance at playing in the Champion's league.

The Guardian reports that the play-off proposal was presented on 4th February, and that Richard Scudamore, chief executive of the Premier League, is to return with further details in April of this year.

Although the proposal is at an early stage there is believed to be some support from the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and surprisingly Manchester City.

City who look certain to crack the top four monopoly in the next year or so would find the task altogether more challenging if the changes were implemented.

There is no surprise that the traditional 'big four' clubs of Chelsea, United, Liverpool and Arsenal are against the idea and considering the amount of games the top clubs have to play in today's modern era, it would be an added strain on their playing squads.

A 14-6 majority is required for the changes to be implemented, with rumours surfacing that they could well be implemented. Although the intricacies such as the format and timing of the proposed play-off competition are yet to be agreed on.

If the new plan does go ahead, it is possible that a two-leg home and away structure might be favoured in what would undoubtedly create end of season nail-biters and yet more excitement to an already action-packed Premier League.

Obviously lucrative in practice, the revenue generated would swell the coffers of all concerned, but the overriding factor for most fans would be the obvious injustice to the team who finish in fourth place but then miss out to the team in seventh.

After all, the Champions League has already been watered down enough from each nation's Champions to its elite. Surely adding a Fulham or Everton to the mix would only serve to further weaken the mix and quality of football in what is football's best club competition.