The English Football League (EFL) is in talks over a radical shake-up of the Championship play-off system, potentially expanding it from four to six teams. The change, if approved, would mark the first alteration to the format in over 30 years and could allow teams finishing as low as eighth place a chance to earn promotion.
The proposal, presented by Preston North End chief Peter Ridsdale at a meeting in early September, would see the Championship adopt a system similar to Italy's Serie B. Under that model, teams finishing fifth through eighth enter a play-in round, with winners progressing to two-legged semi-finals against the third- and fourth-placed sides. The National League already uses a six-team play-off system, though all its matches are one-legged.
According to The Athletic, the idea was well received among executives informed of the proposals. If implemented, the semi-finals would remain two-legged, with a one-off final at Wembley. The change could first be applied to the Championship, with potential expansion to League One and League Two later.
Proponents argue the expansion could reduce the number of dead rubber matches late in the season. Last season, Championship play-off winners Sunderland finished 14 points behind third-placed Sheffield United, while eighth-placed Millwall were a further 10 points adrift. However, in recent seasons, the gap between sixth and eighth has often been narrow, though exceptions exist.
The Championship has held play-offs since 1987, with the format changing from a two-legged final to a single game in 1990. Any expansion would require approval from the FA Board, and the EFL has yet to hold a formal vote. The Athletic reports that anonymous Championship chiefs support the plan, but it remains some way off official ratification.
