Promotion to and relegation from the Premier League could be scrapped if more foreigners assume ownership of clubs, it has been claimed.

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the League Managers' association, told the Professional Players Federation conference that a number of clubs are keen to make the top League insular.

He warned that if more top flight clubs are taken over by overseas entities, a vote to abolish relegation would succeed, but hopes that a recent parliamentary inquiry into football governance could prevent that.

"We're very keen that the recent DCMS report is successful in helping the FA get to a stage where they've got a licensing programme for clubs," Bevan said.

"Because there are a number of overseas-owned clubs already talking about bringing about the avoidance of promotion and relegation in the Premier League. If we have four or five more new owners, that could happen."

Bevan's claims come just days after Liverpool MD Ian Ayre suggested that Premier League clubs should negotiate individual overseas TV rights.