EFL Mulls Significant Revamp of Promotion and Relegation Structure

The National League has put forward a proposal to overhaul the promotion and relegation system between League Two and the fifth tier of English football. All 72 National League clubs have unanimously endorsed a plan to increase the number of promotion spots to three.

Currently, only one club gains automatic promotion to the English Football League (EFL), with a second spot available through playoffs. The National League argues this is inconsistent with other levels of the football pyramid and limits opportunities for clubs.

National League chairman Jack Pearce stated that the likely introduction of an Independent Football Regulator this summer means the EFL needs to address this issue. He emphasized that National League clubs are vital parts of their local communities, and an extra promotion spot would create valuable aspirations for clubs and supporters.

Pearce contends that having three clubs move up and down each season would create a more dynamic pyramid structure. It would also give relegated clubs a better chance to quickly return to the EFL.

While EFL leadership has previously expressed support for the idea in principle, formal approval from member clubs would be required – with League Two clubs potentially needing more convincing. The National League is urging the EFL to make this a priority alongside other matters this year.

The proposal highlights that the top seven clubs in the current National League table are former EFL members, with several more ex-EFL clubs further down the standings. Proponents argue the change would benefit the overall health of English football and align with government objectives for the sport.