EFL Clubs to Decide on Championship Playoff Expansion in March Vote
English Football League clubs are set to vote next month on a radical proposal to expand the Championship playoffs from four to six teams, following approval from the Football Association's board. The Guardian has learned that an extraordinary general meeting has been scheduled for 5 March, where the 72 EFL clubs will decide on implementing the new format as early as next season.
FA Approval and Premier League Concerns
The FA is understood to have given its backing to the proposal at a board meeting in December, despite opposition from the Premier League. Top-flight officials have expressed concerns about a potential drop in standards and reduced competitive balance, as the new format could see a team finishing as low as eighth in the Championship promoted to the Premier League.
Proposed Playoff Format Changes
Under the EFL's proposal, the Championship playoffs would adopt a format similar to that used by the National League, adding an eliminator round. The fifth-placed team would play the eighth-placed team, and the sixth-placed team would face the seventh-placed team, in one-off ties at the higher-ranked club's ground. The winners would then progress to two-leg semi-finals against the clubs that finished third and fourth, with the eventual winners meeting at Wembley for promotion to the Premier League.
Voting Requirements and Club Support
A simple majority is required to formalise the regulation change, with 37 votes from the 72 EFL clubs and 13 votes from the 24 Championship clubs needed in favour. The EFL board approved the change last week, and the league is reportedly confident of success, having consulted widely with clubs since the idea was proposed by Preston North End director Peter Ridsdale at a Championship divisional meeting in September.
Broadcaster Backing and Future Expansion
The EFL is understood to have gained the support of its rights holder, Sky Sports, which has welcomed the prospect of two extra playoff games due to the drama and jeopardy they bring. If approved, the new format could potentially be extended to League One and League Two in subsequent seasons, marking a significant shift in English football's promotion structure.
The FA and EFL have declined to comment on the upcoming vote, leaving clubs to deliberate on a change that could reshape the Championship's climax.
