FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed cross-border leagues could be a realistic option for European football.
Scottish big-hitters Celtic and Rangers have explored the possibility of joining the lucrative English Premier League in the past but have been met with fierce resistance.
Proposals for an Atlantic League, including Scottish, Scandinavian and Benelux teams have also been proposed but never developed beyond the embryonic stage.
But now Infantino has opened the door to the possibility of teams from multiple league joining together and creating new competitions despite FIFA previously being dead against it.
Europe's governing body UEFA are in the process of radical transformation at club level with major changes expected to be implemented in the Champions League and Europa League from 2021.
The European Club Association, which has Celtic chief Peter Lawwell on its board, have been fighting for established European sides who fall outwith the major five leagues to stop the Champions League becoming a closed shop.
Fears over the top leagues enjoying a monopoly have grown in recent weeks with the last 16 of this season's UCL being made up of sides from England, Germany, Spain, Italy and France.
And Infantino, who has introduced a 24-team team World Cup in Qatar, is adamant radical changes could be forthcoming.
He said: “We need to be open to discussions. The Belgians and the Dutch have been discussing creating a Benelux league and these discussions have been going on for 20 years and we are always saying no, because we are based on national leagues.
“But maybe it helps? Maybe it is the only way out, maybe in Europe they have to think about this, maybe in Africa. I was proposing something like this for Africa. I think we have the duty to study these things then we will see where it goes.”
The most powerful man in football admits he will also be exploring avenues for other leagues to follow the success of the English Premier League.
He added: “The Premier League is the most successful competition and congratulations to the Premier League because they created a fantastic competition and a great product as well. Obviously, they want to remain the top for the next hundred years as well.
“And the others, they want to become the top. So can we do something to make the others better without taking away anything from those who are at the top and...(who) have a lot of merit for how football has developed in the world today?
“It’s not about bringing anyone down. It’s rather about bringing those who are today down a little bit further (up) and we are willing to discuss with everyone about everything. And then we will see.”
