The GAA have unveiled plans to redevelop the current hurling championship from 2005 with the release of the Fixtures Task Force's final report.
After receiving proposals from the Hurling Development Committee, the Task Force have recommended a number of changes, including limiting the revamped championship to 12 teams, comprising five from both Leinster and Munster, the Ulster champions and Galway.
A new qualifying structure of two four-team groups would also be introduced under the radical proposals. Aside from the elite 12 county championship, there would also be a second competition featuring a group of 10 teams, with a third for the remaining 11 counties.
GAA President Sean Kelly said: "The plan is to give far more games and far more opportunities to weaker counties.
"For example the Kerry hurlers beat Waterford in 1992 but were thumped by Tipperary the next game by Tipperary and went back to square one. It's the same story for so many weaker counties and this will give them more chance to make the breakthrough."
Promotion into the top tier would be possible based on league results and standings for the previous year.
The Task Force, which operated under the chairmanship of Pauric Duffy, also recommended a separate football championship be introduced for counties knocked out in Rounds 1 and 2 of the current qualifier system.
The proposals will go before the GAA's Annual Congress next year and it is planned to introduce the changes between 2005 and 2009.