Premier League chairman reject play-off proposal for fourth Champions League place

By Paul Kelso Published: 8:40PM GMT 04 March 2010

Proposal: Premier League arch senior earthy education instructor Richard Scudamore is one of heading total at the behind of play-off thought Photo: PA

The plan was for clubs finishing fourth to seventh to play-off for Englands last Champions League spot.

League management team delivered a feasibility investigate to the clubs on Thursday in that the unsentimental difficulties of wise the one some-more matches in to the swarming end-of-season programme was finished clear.

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These logistical difficulties, as well as concerns about the firmness of a foe where joining positions are motionless over 38 games led to the thought being abandoned.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal were all predictably opposed, and the clever opening of Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa in the competition for fourth this deteriorate additionally eroded support. Fulham and Birmingham are additionally accepted to have oral opposite the plan at Thursdays meeting.

Asked to opinion on a offer for the League to serve try the options, the clubs voted 11-9 in favour, short of the 14-6 infancy compulsory for any magnitude to be passed.

Premier League arch senior earthy education instructor Richard Scudamore reliable there was "not sufficient support" for the proposal.

West Ham authority David Gold pronounced there was substantial await for the thought but the logistical obstacles were insurmountable.

"It was only a earthy thing, anticipating time in the calendar," pronounced Gold. "The clubs that would be concerned in a play-off could additionally be concerned in the FA Cup and Champions League, so it only could not be done.

"But there was a feeling in the room that a play-off could have the joining some-more sparkling and move some-more clubs the probability of removing in to Europe."

Meanwhile Portsmouth will have to wait for until a High Court conference after this month prior to the Premier League considers extenuation any concessions to ease their monetary plight.

Administrator Andrew Andronikou met the League house on Thursday to plead his ask that the bar be authorised to sell players and loan them behind outward the send window.

The offer is rarely doubtful to be allowed, but no preference will be taken until the High Court has ruled on a plea from Her Majestys Revenue and Customs over the legality of the administration.

Portsmouth earthy education instructor Avram Grant has been warned as to his destiny control and fined �1,000, with a serve �4,000 excellent dangling until the finish of the season, after he certified a assign of crude control to the Football Association.

The situation associated to his poise towards arbitrate Kevin Friend during Pompeys Barclays Premier League compare opposite Sunderland on February 9.

Grant stormed on to the Fratton Park representation and confronted Friend at the finish of the initial half of the match. He was discharged and watched the second half from the directors box.