BBC SPORT | Football | Power stuggle fears played down

The Premier League have played down reports that they want to drastically reduce the power of the Football Association.

It emerged on Monday that the FA's executive board would be presented with a list of demands from the Premier League.

Fears of a clash between the two bodies were increased when the Premier League's chairman David Richards and chief executive Richard Scudamore met FA bosses Geoff Thompson and Crozier on Monday.

It was understood that Richards and Scudamore delivered a series of demands including:

A full review of the FA's role.

A greater share of revenue generated by the FA Cup.

An explanation for a reported �27m reserve fund in the FA's bank account.

The establishment of a Premier League-dominated Professional Game Board to run the game, with no major role for FA chief executive Adam Crozier.

Revenue generated by the FA Cup and England internationals split equally between the professional game and the FA, after the deduction of expenses.

Greater consultation on major commercial deals struck by the FA which involve Premiership players.

These proposals, if passed, would effectively sideline the FA and leave them with the task of overseeing discipline, international affairs and some financial matters.

It was also thought that threats were issued about starting a Premier League Cup and refusing to release players for a planned England get-together next month.

However, later on Monday the Premier League claimed they were not seeking direct conflict with the FA or looking to supplant their powers.

The FA has said it will consider the demands - but it is understood they are prepared to fight to retain their power.

But they do want changes to be made and the FA is just as keen to retain their own power.

Scudamore said: "This issue starts and ends on how best the game can be managed, ensuring decisions are made with full transparency and best information.

"We clearly want to achieve this within the auspices of the FA. This is the structure which has enabled football to be so successful and any speculation that our motives are anything other than this are simply inaccurate."


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