EPL chief rejects league reduction call

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has rejected a proposal to reduce Europe’s major leagues to 16 clubs.

Earlier this month Barcelona president Sandro Rosell called for Europe’s elite leagues to be reduced in order to facilitate weekend Champions League fixtures.

But Scudamore believes such a concept goes against the spirit of competitions that are traditionally fixtured midweek.

He told CNN: “Well that’s very nice of him (Rosell) to issue that as a statement but that’s a very Barcelona-centric view.”

“Our clubs have no view whatsoever to be playing European football on a weekend. European football is a midweek competition, and domestic football is a weekend competition.”

Rosell is also interested in a European breakaway league for major clubs, a proposition Scudamore refuses to support.

“It’s just not going to happen. What has been said has been said but I’m not going to go along with the sentiment,” Scudamore said.

“In reality we have a Champions League, it’s a fantastic competition. Obviously there are some things the clubs would like to alter and ultimately discussions will take place and UEFA will do something to make sure things stay intact.”

“When it comes to ultimate football sanctions you just can’t break away.”