The Championship is on the verge of a significant overhaul to its play-off format, a change that could see as many as six teams vying for promotion to the Premier League. EFL clubs will vote on the proposal at an extraordinary general meeting on , with the potential to reshape the landscape of the second tier of English football as early as the season.
Currently, the Championship play-offs involve the four teams finishing immediately below the automatic promotion places. The proposed expansion would add two more teams to the mix, extending the opportunity to reach the Premier League to those finishing as low as eighth in the 24-team league. The change has already received approval from both the EFL board and the Football Association.
The new system will introduce a quarter-final, or eliminator round, featuring single-leg ties. Fifth place will host eighth, and sixth will host seventh. The winners of these matches will then advance to the traditional two-legged semi-finals, where they will face the teams finishing third and fourth respectively. The final will continue to be held at Wembley Stadium in late May.
A majority vote is required to pass the measure, needing at least 37 of the 72 EFL clubs, and crucially, 13 of the 24 Championship clubs, to vote in favour. The Championship holds a “master share” in any vote to alter the regulations, meaning its support is paramount.
The driving force behind the proposed change appears to be a desire to provide greater opportunities for clubs with limited resources, particularly those who are not benefiting from parachute payments – the financial support provided to teams relegated from the Premier League. Expanding the play-offs could level the playing field, allowing a wider range of clubs to realistically compete for promotion.
However, the proposal hasn’t been without its critics. Concerns have been raised, particularly by the Premier League, about a potential dilution of quality among promoted teams. The fear is that a team finishing eighth in the Championship may not be adequately prepared for the rigours of the Premier League. Fans have also voiced their opposition, with many arguing that the current four-team format provides sufficient drama, and excitement.
The FA gave its approval for the EFL to proceed with the proposal at the end of last year, acknowledging the potential benefits of increased competition. The EFL has undertaken an extensive consultation process with its member clubs since Sky Sports News first reported on the discussions in the autumn.
While the focus is currently on the Championship, the EFL is also considering potential changes to the play-off systems in League One and League Two. However, there are no immediate plans to expand those play-offs, with the EFL likely to assess the impact of the Championship changes before considering further alterations. Currently, seventh place in League Two secures a play-off spot due to four teams being relegated from League One.
Beyond the play-offs, the EFL will also discuss proposals to alter promotion and relegation between League Two and the National League. The current system sees two teams relegated from League Two, while only the National League champions are automatically promoted. The second promotion spot is determined through a play-off system. A proposal to move to a three-up, three-down system is on the table, but a vote on this change is not currently scheduled.
The upcoming vote represents a pivotal moment for the EFL and the Championship. If passed, the expanded play-off format will undoubtedly inject a new level of excitement and unpredictability into the final stages of the season, potentially offering a lifeline to clubs striving to reach the pinnacle of English football. The outcome will be closely watched by clubs, fans, and stakeholders across the footballing landscape.
