Sam blasts FIFA plans (From The Bolton News)

Sam blasts FIFA plans

WANDERERS could be on collision course with FIFA after proposals to trim the Premiership down to 16 teams.

Sam Allardyce has blasted the plans, which were put forward by FIFA preseident Sepp Blatter in a bid to reduce the number of games top-flight players are forced to take part in, citing the recent death of Marc Vivien-Foe.

Allardyce is already annoyed with FIFA about losing international players Jay Jay Okocha and Ricardo Gardner for extended periods during the English season, and the fact his globe-trotting stars have had little time to rest during the summer.

"I'm not happy about these plans," said Allardyce. "They should reduce international games and tournaments such as the Confederations Cup.

"It's the clubs who pay and employ the players, not the governing bodies."

Blatter announced the proposals earlier this week, but they may only be voted on next May.

Blatter said: "The ideal number in a league should be 16, have 30 league matches and then cup matches and international club matches on top.

Blatter added: "If such a decision is taken by the congress I am sure everyone will abide by it, but it will not happen immediately, there needs to be time to adapt and it will take place step by step."

Reductions in the number of teams in England's top flight have usually meant fewer promotions from the First Division and more teams relegated from the Premiership -- as happened back in 1994-95.