Oldham Athletic Supporters' Foundation have expressed concerns over reports that the National League and Premier League are in talks over a new competition, following the scrapping of FA Cup replays.

As reported in The Athletic, the proposed competition would involve four groups of eight teams comprised of four teams from each division, arranged on a regional basis, with each National League side playing each Premier League U21 team at home.

It is understood the format of the competition would mean that the National League teams would not play each other in the group stage, and would receive all of the gate receipts and half of the prize money, with the other half being put aside to be split between the 56 teams not participating in the competition from the National League, National League North and National League South.

The competition is set to be heavily subsidised by the Premier League if it is given the green light.

But OASF fears the new competition it will do nothing to deter fixture congestion - as was the argument for scrapping FA Cup replays - and is another move aimed at introducing Premier League U21 teams into the league structure.

A statement issued by OASF read: "In light of the announcement earlier this week that FA Cup replays are set to be scrapped, The Board of Oldham Athletic Supporters Foundation are disappointed to read reports in The Athletic that the National League is negotiating for a new competition involving Premier League U21 teams.

"More broadly, OASF were shocked to see the National League support the scrapping of FA Cup replays in the first instance. We do recognise the challenges many National League sides face regarding fixture congestion – particularly during the winter months when many pitches become waterlogged and unplayable. Nevertheless, the National League's argument that fixture congestion is of paramount concern to sides at this level is somewhat undermined in light of the news that they are negotiating for a new competition which would see the top 16 National League sides pitted against 16 Premier League U21 teams.

"It appears to the OASF Board that this is a further cynical attempt to see EPL U21 sides introduced into England’s professional football leagues.

"The Premier League and National League are rushing through these changes, and others, before they can be blocked by the Independent Football Regulator, which both are shamelessly lobbying against.

"The Board of OASF believe actions speak louder than words. We plan to discuss the issues that affect our game with other Trusts and explore the avenues for action available to us."