Speaking in London on Wednesday night, Blatter said that he believed that the ideal number of clubs in a league division was sixteen. Currently, 20 teams compete in the FA Premier League.

"The ideal number in a league should be sixeen, have 30 league matches and then cup matches and international club matches on top," said Blatter. " I will bring this up."

"If such a decision is taken by the FIFA congress [in Paris, in May 2004] 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.

 

"We must do something otherwise we will never get off this carousel of too much football with no holidays for the players, injuries and even deaths.

"The quality of football will suffer if there continues to be too much."

The FA's Head of Media Relations, Adrian Bevington, said: "Clearly this is hypothetical and is not an issue of discussion at this time. However as a national association the English FA would always endeavour to abide by FIFA rules."

* The FA's new chief executive Mark Palios also attended the talks at The Ritz yesterday.