The EFL have given no indication they will accept the National League's request for an extra promotion spot. They are looking to increase the number of teams who get promoted from two to three but the matter was discussed at a board meeting on Thursday. No commitment has yet been made with the EFL deciding that it should be a matter for the clubs. The issue of promotion and relegation will therefore be discussed at their divisional meetings later this month, with no commitment made to vote at the end of the season, reports The Sun. The National League wrote to the EFL earlier this week asking for a vote at their summer AGM. They had hoped to introduce the new “three-up” model from next season.
Any rule change requires a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs - including a majority of the 24 in the Championship. The EFL are poised to set out their concerns to the clubs later this month. Among those is the fact that National League clubs are not subject to the same cost control rules as they are. Before any agreement is made on potentially increasing the number of promoted clubs from two to three they want to see the same spending rules introduced. EFL bosses have previously backed the idea but any move would need the formal backing of the clubs.
National League Chair Jack Pearce said: “An extra promotion place for these Clubs into the EFL would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters - plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game. “As well as increased financial stability, 3UP would mean a fluid football pyramid where teams can win promotion from the bottom to the top fairly. It will give more opportunity to clubs relegated from EFL League 2 to ‘bounce back’.".
EFL chief Rick Parry said several years ago: "We are having a lot of discussion about three up, three down. We absolutely recognise the need to look downwards as well as up. We have to be consistent in our approach.". Since 2004 the National League has had two promotions spots and - unlike what has happened between the Premier League and Championship - no side has gone up since then and come straight back down the following year.
Over the last 15 years Championship outfits Luton Town and Oxford United have both been promoted from the National League, as have League One sides Wrexham and Stockport County. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
