Play-off proposal shelved at present

At the Premier League's board meeting yesterday, chairmen decided against examining the proposal further at this stage after the idea surfaced following last month's meeting.

Some top-flight clubs were keen on the idea in principle and proposed the play-off idea – despite the opposition of the 'big four'.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal were reportedly quick to voice their opposition to the proposed change.

The Premier League were looking into the possibility of bringing in a new system which could mean teams finishing fourth to seventh playing a mini-knockout competition.

Such a move would be seen as a measure to inject more competition into the league.

The big four clubs have filled the top four positions in five of the past six seasons. Only Everton, in 2005, have broken their stranglehold.

Any new proposal would not come into force for at least three years anyway because of ongoing TV deals, and it is understood fixture congestion was a factor in the clubs' decision not to follow the idea up for the time being.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "The main topic of discussion was the Champions League play-off for that fourth qualifying place.

"We gave a lot of discussion, a lot of detail but there was not enough support to take the idea forward, so we won't be discussing it any further."