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Premiership reconstruction plans halted but other SPFL leagues could grow

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The SPFL has revealed there is "no reasonable prospect of achieving consensus" around plans to restructure the Scottish Premiership.

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The top-flight increased in size from 10 to 12 teams in 2000/01 but could revert back © SNS

The SPFL has revealed there is "no reasonable prospect of achieving consensus" around plans to restructure the Scottish Premiership.

It follows a meeting of the Competitions Working Group (CWG) on Tuesday, where league reconstruction was discussed.

Sky Sports News revealed earlier this month that proposals over a 10-team top flight were unlikely to receive sufficient backing - but retaining the current 12-club Premiership format, plus larger 14 or 16-team models would be discussed.

Could there be changes elsewhere?

Falkirk lead the Championship, with Livingston - who were relegated last season - in contention for promotion too
Image: Falkirk and Livingston are level on points at the top of the Championship as both aim to secure promotion to the Premiership

While no changes to the Premiership are set to go ahead, Sky Sports News understands there was broad agreement over increasing the size of the divisions below.

Currently, the Scottish Championship, League One and League Two have 10 teams but that could change, with further talks to take place.

It is believed more discussions will take place in May which could see the Championship increase to 12 or 14 clubs, with a new third tier comprising of 16 or 18 teams.

Teams in the second, third and fourth tier of the pyramid currently play 36 matches a season, with the winner of each league promoted automatically. Another team can also move up via the play-offs.

What did the SPFL say about reconstruction?

A statement from the SPFL said: "The SPFL's Competitions Working Group met on 29 April to discuss the possibility of league restructuring.

"It was agreed that there was no reasonable prospect of achieving consensus around a new format for the William Hill Premiership.

"There was, however, broad agreement around potential changes to the William Hill Championship, League One and League Two.

"These will be worked up with a view to conducting a consultation with clubs and other stakeholders."

Why was Premiership reconstruction on the agenda?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Celtic's Cameron Carter-Vickers (L) and Bayern's Harry Kane at full time during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg match between Celtic and FC Bayern Munich at Celtic Park, on February 12, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland.  (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)
Image: It was thought fewer games could help clubs that are in European competitions

Changes were being discussed by the CWG in a bid to manage fixture congestion issues and help those playing in UEFA club competitions, with extra matches added to the calendar due to the new league phase in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

While a 14-team option could have maintained the prospect of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee derbies remaining at their current frequency, it could have caused issues around those in the bottom half playing more matches than those in the top six following a split.

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