The Premier League will remain at 20 clubs, despite ongoing discussions about reducing the number of teams to alleviate calendar congestion, according to league chief executive Richard Masters.

The debate around the optimal number of teams in the Premier League has been reignited due to concerns about player welfare and the increasing density of the football calendar. Calls for a reduction to 18 teams have been made by figures within the sport, with the aim of easing the burden on players and improving the overall quality of the competition. However, the Premier League seems set to resist these calls.

Fixture congestion has become a significant issue in recent years, with players and managers voicing concerns about the physical toll of frequent matches. The expansion of tournaments such as the Club World Cup, coupled with existing domestic and international commitments, has led to an increasingly packed schedule. Some have suggested that the workload could lead players to strike. A reduction in the number of teams in the Premier League would create more space in the calendar, potentially allowing for better player recovery and fewer injuries.

Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan suggested clubs should manage player game time to help ease the burden.

Former chief David Dein also advocated for trimming the league to 18 teams to address the player workload. Dein pointed out that when the Premier League was initially formed, there was a mandate to have 18 clubs. He also noted that with 18 clubs, the television money would be split between fewer teams, resulting in each club earning more.

Currently, the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A each feature 20 teams, while France's Ligue 1 and the German Bundesliga operate with 18 teams. A FIFA working group has been formed to address concerns about the heavy fixture list, fueling speculation that FIFA might push for a reduction in the number of teams in top leagues. A source told The Sun that the ultimate aim from FIFA is to find a way of making leagues drop to 18 teams.

However, the Premier League seems determined to maintain its current structure of 20 clubs. The decision comes as the new season is set to kick off on August 15, shortly after Chelsea's victory in the Club World Cup final. The Blues' schedule exemplified the challenges faced by top clubs, having played almost continuously for a year before a long-awaited break.

The debate over the ideal number of teams in the Premier League reflects the broader challenge of balancing commercial interests, player welfare, and the integrity of the sport. While reducing the number of teams might alleviate calendar congestion and improve player well-being, it could also have financial implications and impact the competitive balance of the league. Finding a solution that satisfies all stakeholders remains a complex and ongoing process.