sky say drastic cost-cutting across the board after paying £ 11million a match to retain premier league rights is being blamed for the demise of the victory shield , the home nations international under 16 tournament .
the fa announced this week that england are pulling out of the event with immediate effect in order to achieve a more varied fixture list , including more foreign opposition .
but it is understood this surprise move has been prompted by sky allegedly withdrawing their title sponsorship as well as reducing live coverage and wanting further changes to the format and another backer found .
gareth southgate , fa 's head of national teams .