Championship Playoffs Expansion: EFL Clubs to Vote on Six-Team Format
EFL clubs are set to vote on expanding the Championship playoffs from four to six teams for the upcoming season. This move would mirror the National League's playoff system, where teams finishing between second and seventh participate in the playoffs. In the Championship, it would involve teams finishing third to eighth, with the top two teams earning automatic promotion. The decision will be subject to a vote among all clubs, requiring a majority overall and among Championship clubs for approval. The specific format for the expanded playoffs will be determined at a later stage, potentially during the league's annual general meeting in the summer.
The National League playoffs feature single-leg eliminators between the teams finishing fourth and seventh, as well as fifth and sixth, to determine the semi-finalists alongside the second and third-placed teams. Last season, Oldham emerged as the National League playoff winners, despite finishing significantly behind second-placed York in the regular season standings.
The potential expansion of the Championship playoffs to six teams could bring added excitement and competitiveness to the promotion race, offering more clubs the opportunity to secure a place in the top flight. The decision on this matter will be crucial for the upcoming season and could have a significant impact on the dynamics of the Championship playoffs moving forward.