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Premier League’s major clubs propose shrinking top flight of English football in a major shake-up

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New proposals would see money go straight to lower leagues, but control of the Premiership would be handed to just nine teams

The biggest shake-up of English football in a generation is being proposed by Manchester United and Liverpool and it would see the number of teams in the top flight reduced from 20 to 18.

Sky News’ sports correspondent Martha Kelner said the changes would be “seismic” and put the majority of the power into the hands of the biggest clubs.

The plan – called Project Big Picture – has been confirmed to Sky News, and was first reported in the Sunday Telegraph.

As well as a change in size, the new proposals would change the leagues finances and power system.

A quarter of the league’s revenue would go to the English Football League (EFL), with £250m paid up front to help them through the coronavirus crisis..Advertisement

The FA would also receive £100m as a gift.

A change in the power structure would mean an end to the one-club, one-vote system

Instead, the nine clubs that have been in the league for the longest amount of time will have full control of the running of the league.

Those teams would also be able to play more games in the Champions League, which is set to be expanded in 2024.

Across the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two, there would be 90 clubs in total, and the League Cup and Community Shield competitions would also be abolished.

For Championship clubs, there would be two automatic promotion places, whole the third, fourth and fifth placed clubs would enter into the play-offs with the 16th placed Premier League club.

The move has support from the chairman of the EFL, Rick Parry, who has held talks with both Liverpool and Manchester United.

Lower league clubs have been calling for more support, after the coronavirus crisis left them unable to open their grounds.

Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, the chairman of Colchester United, a League Two club, said the Premier League “really should step in and do something” because they are “in danger from the building that’s crumbling below them”.

“The Premier League sits on top of a pyramid, and it’s a really proud thing we have in our game, this system that goes all the way down into non-league as well,” Robbie Cowling told Sky News.

“Most of the England team, most of the Premiership teams, their players have come from grassroots, they’ve all played under-9s football somewhere.

“The Premier League seems to think that we suck from it, but that’s not the case. It sucks from the rest of the pyramid system. It really should step in and do something. They have to.

“If they think they’re enjoying this penthouse view and they’re not in danger from the building that’s crumbling below them, they’re absolutely mad.” (Source – Sky News)

Football

Quarter Finals Set for Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – Four Epic Battles Await!

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After weeks of intense group-stage action across the island, the Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – 1st XI School Football Challenge Trophy now heads into its Quarter Final stage with eight of the country’s top school football teams set to battle for a place in the semi-finals.

The group phase produced thrilling matches, dramatic finishes, and moments of pure school football passion, and now the competition reaches its knockout phase where every goal — and every mistake — will count.

🏆 Quarter Final Line-Up

Quarter Final 1
Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakkachchi Central College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 8.30 AM | 📍 City League Grounds
Zahira College, one of the tournament favorites, will look to continue their dominant form against the spirited Vaddakkachchi Central College, who impressed in their provincial campaign to earn a historic spot in the final eight.

Quarter Final 2
Kalutara Muslim Central College 🆚 Gateway College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 11.00 AM | 📍 City League Grounds
Unbeaten so far, Kalutara Muslim Central College will face the technically disciplined Gateway College in a tactical showdown that promises end-to-end action.

Quarter Final 3
St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 🆚 Royal College, Colombo
📅 5th November | ⏰ 1.30 PM | 📍 City League Grounds
A Colombo classic awaits as Royal College step into the quarter finals following a protest decision that eliminated Aligar Central College. St. Joseph’s, Group C leaders, will aim to maintain their strong run in what is expected to be a fierce and emotional derby encounter.

Quarter Final 4
Hameed Al Husseini College 🆚 Darussalaam College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 4.00 PM | 📍 City League Grounds
Two of the most passionate teams in the competition collide in the day’s final fixture. Expect a physical, high-tempo contest as both sides chase their dream of a semi-final berth.

🎥 LIVE COVERAGE

All four matches will be broadcast live on Sri Lankan Sports TV, giving fans across the nation a front-row seat to witness the best of Sri Lankan school football.

The Lifebouy Ball Blaster 2025 continues to deliver on its promise of promoting youth football, sportsmanship, and school pride, powered by Lifebuoy Bodywash — encouraging young athletes to play clean, play strong, and play fair.

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Football

Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025: Quarter-Final Lineup Shapes Up with Thrilling Group Stage Battles

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The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 has reached the most exciting stage yet as teams battle for quarter-final glory.

In Group B, Kalutara Central College has stamped their authority with 2 wins from 2 matches, boasting a flawless defense and an impressive +2 goal difference. The battle for the second spot is wide open between Royal College and Alighar Central College, both on 3 points and looking to secure their place in the knockout rounds. Maris Stella College has unfortunately bowed out after a tough group stage.

Meanwhile, Group C promises drama in the final match between St. Patrick’s College and St. Joseph’s College. A win for Joseph will see them top the group, while Patrick could sneak into the quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory. A draw would favor Joseph’s qualification on goal difference.

The quarter-finals, scheduled for 5th November at City League, will feature the following fixtures:

  • Q1: Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakachchi Central College – 8:30 AM
  • Q2: Kalutara Central College 🆚 St. Joseph’s College / St. Patrick’s College – 11:00 AM
  • Q3: Gateway College/ St. Joseph’s College 🆚 Royal / Alighar – 1:30 PM
  • Q4: Hameed Al Husseinie College 🆚 Darussalaam College – 4:00 PM

Fans can expect high-octane football and edge-of-the-seat action as Sri Lanka’s brightest school football talents compete for the prestigious Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster Trophy 2025. Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, match updates, and exclusive interviews.

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Group C Still Up for Grabs as Four Teams Eye Quarterfinal Spots in Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025!

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The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship Group C stage remains finely poised — with all four schools still in contention to reach the quarterfinals. With Gateway College having completed all their matches, the final fixtures will decide the fate of St. Benedict’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Joseph’s Colleges.

Current Standings:

SchoolMWLDGSGAGDPoints
Gateway College310264+25
St. Benedict’s College210132+14
St. Patrick’s College201134-11
St. Joseph’s College101013-20

Gateway College – Top for Now 🟢

Gateway College leads with 5 points after finishing all their group-stage matches. Their unbeaten record gives them a strong edge, but their qualification still depends on the final two matchdays. They’ll be watching closely as St. Benedict’s and St. Patrick’s fight for crucial wins.

St. Benedict’s College – Advantage in Hand ⚪

With 4 points from 2 games, St. Benedict’s College holds the upper hand. A victory in their next match will guarantee a quarterfinal spot, potentially as Group winners. A draw could still be enough, but a defeat would leave them vulnerable to a late surge from the other two schools.

St. Patrick’s College – Still in the Race 🟡

With 1 point from 2 games, St. Patrick’s still has a chance to qualify — but only if they win the remaining match. They’ll also need to improve their goal difference, currently at -1, to stay competitive in case of a tie on points.

St. Joseph’s College – A Must-Win Situation 🔵

After losing their opening game, St. Joseph’s College faces a do-or-die scenario. With two matches left, the Josephians must win both — and by convincing margins — to stay in contention for a top-two finish. Anything less will end their campaign.

Qualification Scenarios:

  • 🏆 If St. Benedict’s wins next match: Gateway and Benedict’s advance.
  • 🤝 If St. Benedict’s draws next match: Gateway likely through; second spot open between Benedict’s and Patrick’s.
  • If St. Benedict’s loses: St. Patrick’s or St. Joseph’s could qualify by winning their remaining games.

The Group C showdown promises edge-of-the-seat drama as school football’s finest battle for survival in the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025. Every point counts — and one mistake could end a dream run.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, photos, and exclusive post-match reactions from the players and coaches.

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