EFL rules out admitting EPL B teams

The English Football League has ruled out the possibility of including Premier League B teams or clubs currently outside the English system in its proposed restructure.

Plans for a revamp of the game below the top flight, which would primarily see the EFL change from its present three-division format to one of four leagues of 20, were announced earlier this year.

One of the key questions to be determined was where the additional eight clubs to bring EFL membership up to the required 80 would come from.

There were suggestions some Premier League B teams or Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers could be invited to join a new National League Three, but this has been dismissed following a meeting of the existing 72 clubs.

Clubs also expressed a preference to play through a winter break should one be introduced in the English game.