The English Football League (EFL) is weighing up a significant alteration to the Championship play-offs, which would see the competition expanded to involve clubs finishing seventh and eighth. According to Sky Sports, the proposal is gathering strong backing from several club executives.
The concept, championed by Preston North End chief executive Peter Ridsdale, suggests introducing an extra round of fixtures to decide the final promotion place. Ridsdale, who sits on the EFL board, has circulated the plan to all 24 Championship sides, with initial feedback proving largely positive.
Under the suggested format, teams finishing fifth to eighth would contest a one-off “eliminator” match, with the higher-ranked side enjoying home advantage. The winners of these ties would then advance to face the third and fourth-placed clubs in the traditional two-legged semi-finals. The Wembley final would remain unchanged as the decisive showdown for promotion.
The EFL believes this adjustment could inject fresh excitement into the closing stages of the season. By widening the play-off net, more clubs would retain a realistic chance of promotion deep into the campaign, potentially reducing the number of meaningless fixtures and maintaining fan interest until the final weeks.
Commercial considerations also play a role. Additional high-stakes matches would likely draw larger audiences, increasing broadcasting opportunities and boosting revenue for both the league and participating clubs. The model draws inspiration from the National League, where an extended play-off system already delivers heightened drama.
However, the proposal faces hurdles. Any modification requires approval from the FA and the Premier League, and cannot be implemented mid-season. Critics also warn it could dilute sporting integrity, arguing that a team finishing eighth over a gruelling 46-game campaign should not have an equal shot at promotion as a side finishing third.
Supporters and pundits are split. Some view the idea as a logical evolution to keep the Championship fiercely competitive. Others dismiss it as a cash-driven “gimmick” that undermines the meritocracy of the league table.
If adopted, the reform would have significant implications for clubs such as Leicester City. The Foxes, currently pushing for a swift return to the Premier League, could benefit from an extra promotion pathway in seasons when they narrowly miss the top six. But it would also intensify pressure at the top end of the table, with more teams battling to the very end.
The EFL board will continue discussions with stakeholders in the coming months. While no immediate decision is expected, the debate around expanding the Championship play-offs promises to remain one of English football’s most talked-about topics this season.