Prospective new owners of Newcastle United hoping to catapult the Magpies back into the Champions League could be blocked by radical plans to reshape European football.
Newcastle United will be represented in a huge Premier League shareholders' meeting on Wednesday to debate plans dubbed the 'Swiss Model'.
Major stakeholders across the continent are discussing proposals to shake-up the Champions League which would likely have consequences for domestic leagues
The competition would be expanded from 32 teams to 36, and would form one league with fixtures determined by their UEFA club coefficient rankings.
The additional four entries will likely be determined by these historic standings in a move that has drawn criticism for it's attempt to preserve the continent's elite clubs.
Newcastle United have not featured in European competition since 2013, but the potential overhaul could renew a long-standing battle for reduced domestic leagues to allow for an expanded continental programme.
The proposals are tentatively earmarked to come into effect from 2024, and will be discussed by Premier League shareholders in Wednesday's meeting.
A wider issue for the Magpies might be what would happen under any potential takeover and whether this move might harm chances to grow.
United owner Mike Ashley remains committed to the resurrection of a deal with the consortium backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and is pursuing legal action against the Premier League.
All parties are understood to believe a resolution to the ongoing saga is expected this Spring.
