PLANS to restructure the League of Ireland for 2018 have been cast into doubt.

A meeting of the Premier Clubs Alliance — a representative body for the top tier — has been called for Monday.

3 Declan Conroy showcasing his report in 2015 which recommended that the League of Ireland switch to two ten-team divisions Credit: Sportsfile

It will take place amid anger and confusion about the looming switch from a 12-team Premier Division and an eight-team First Division to ten in each.

SunSport has learned the proposal may now have the unconditional support of just FOUR clubs.

The FAI unveiled the new format when it published the 2017 fixture list a fortnight ago, saying it had ratified the switch ‘following a proposal from the Premier Clubs Alliance’.

That has infuriated some. One club delegate told SunSport: “We weren’t agitating for change. We were responding, as requested, to the Conroy Report.”

A ten-team Premier Division — as existed between the 2002-03 and 2004 and the 2009 and 2011 seasons — was a key recommendation.

It is understood that, of the clubs who retained their Premier Division status, Dundalk, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, St Pat’s, Bray Wanderers and Sligo Rovers were all in favour of this change with Cork City, Bohemians, Galway United and Finn Harps against.

3 Dundalk presented with the 2016 Premier Division trophy Credit: Sportsfile

Despite the close 6:4 split, the PCA informed the FAI that it would support a smaller top flight in principle, subject to investigating what effects such a move would have and to accompanying changes in the funding and marketing.

In fact, Bray were initially in favour of keeping 12 teams but were prepared to go with the majority.

Sligo were of a similar mind, believing the number of clubs was not the main issue to be addressed.

But, as a result of a backlash, the Wicklow side has now formally withdrawn its support. Newly-promoted Drogheda United oppose the move.

Limerick FC did not offer a view when contacted by SunSport but it would seem unlikely they would back something which would increase their chances of an immediate return to the First Division.

3 The Conroy Report Credit: Sportsfile

Bray chairman Denis O’Connor said: “I’m relatively new to this but from talking to a lot of people there is a lot of unhappiness. The stakes have become higher in the Premier Division, budgets have gone up and, now all of a sudden, 25 per cent of its members will be ­relegated and will carry that burden down.

“I come from a financial ­background and commercially that’s illogical. When you’ve players ­telling you it’s wrong you need to listen.”

At the PCA meeting, clubs will receive an update from barrister Michael Cush on whether the FAI has progressed in delivering the improvements upon which its support for the reduction rested.

If delegates are not convinced, it is likely that opposition to the change will grow, fuelled by the feeling among First Division clubs that they were denied a real say.

Invited to provide input into ­discussions held by the PCA, ­ultimately their views were not represented by it.

Many club officials feel greater ­consultation is required and want a discussion document that has been drawn up by accountant Kevin Burke to be ­examined more closely.

Others are impatient about the pace of talks within the PCA never mind with the FAI. The FAI, for its part, is frustrated by the lack of a clear and cohesive voice from the PCA.

Relations between the two soured in August when St Pat’s rejected the FAI’s offer of €5,000 to each club towards preparing a five-year ­strategic plan.

It prompted a war of words between the Saints and the FAI who pointed out its general manager Frank Kinsella — one of three PCA delegates — had raised no objection when it was first mooted.

Last month, Kinsella was replaced by Rovers secretary Noel Byrne on the PCA’s steering committee which also features O’Connor and Sligo chairman Martin Heraghty.