The SPFL are reportedly studying a potential return to a 10-team Scottish Premiership.
According to an exclusive in The Herald, the Competitions Working Group are drawing up plans to change the top flight from 12 teams to 10.
The discussions come as league chiefs aim to ease the fixture congestion caused by the revamped UEFA club competitions throwing up extra fixtures throughout the season.
The CWG have also been asked to consider any changes to help provide a "softer landing" for clubs like Brechin City and Cowdenbeath when they fall out of the senior league set-up.
Large numbers of supporters have backed a 14 or 16-team top-flight but it's thought officials are more keen on a 10-team Scottish Premiership.
It would mean two less fixtures, 36 instead of 38, with the split also scrapped.
The second tier would comprise of 10 teams with a third league of 16 or more sides.
The SFA Pyramid Working Group will be updated on the progress of the league's working group on Tuesday with discussions over a possible timescale to come.
The report states Hampden figures believe the fixture congestition is nearing becoming unmanageable with the potential of clubs having to play four matches in one week should there be a pile-up or severe weather conditions force call-offs.
The SPFL have yet to consult clubs over any possible change to the league system. Any resolution would require 11 out of the 12 top-flight clubs to back the proposal.
Eight out of 10 in the Championship would have to support the change, and 15 of the 20 in League One and League Two.
