The sponsors, Carlsberg, McDonald's, Nationwide, Pepsi and Umbro, which are in renewal negotiations with the FA, are understood to have asked the governing body to revise its structure for the next four-year contract period, with a specific request to give them greater access to the England team.
The FA is thought to be reluctant to dismantle its 'five pillars' system, which sees each of the sponsors take responsibility for a specific area of the FA's portfolio of rights, although all partners are equal in their ability to commercially exploit the England team.
There is also speculation that the FA is considering reining in its commitment to grass-roots football by renaming the Community Shield to its former moniker, the Charity Shield. The move is believed to have upset McDonald's, which holds exclusivity over the grass-roots 'pillar'.
The fast-food giant has been quick to scotch the reports, stating it is happy with the way the renewal negotiations are progressing. The FA has also dismissed suggestions that contract talks with sponsors have hit a stumbling block, or that it plans to change the format of the Community Shield.
The sponsorship contracts, worth an estimated 拢40m, expire after next summer's World Cup, with the exception of Umbro, which has signed until 2010.
The FA sponsorship packages include signage at all England and FA Cup matches, exclusive display rights, opportunity to develop premium products and broadcast sponsorship.
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