Reorganisation could save River Plate

The Argentine Football Association says it wants to reorganize its first division, which will almost certainly guarantee a swift return to the first tier for relegated River Plate.

The AFA has announced a plan to unify the country's first- and second-tiers into one league, divided into two regional divisions.

AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo says the proposal must be approved by AFA's executive committee. He said a decision was expected on Oct. 18.

The plan is expected to be enacted for the 2012-13 season, meaning that River Plate, which was relegated last month for the first time in its history, is likely to return to the top flight after just one season in the second division.