The English Football League's 72 member clubs are poised to engage in crucial discussions next month regarding the potential introduction of a third promotion place from the National League. An all-club meeting has been scheduled for the 4th and 5th of March, although no formal vote is anticipated at this preliminary stage.
Current System and Proposed Change
Under the existing framework, the National League champions secure automatic promotion to League Two, accompanied by one additional club that triumphs in the end-of-season play-offs. The proposed alteration would expand this to include a third promoted team, fundamentally reshaping the dynamics between the two leagues.
The '3UP' Campaign Initiative
This forthcoming dialogue follows the National League's concerted '3UP' campaign, which was launched approximately one year ago to advocate for this specific expansion. The campaign has been a persistent effort to increase mobility and opportunity for clubs within the National League seeking elevation to the EFL.
An EFL spokesperson provided clarity on the situation, stating: "Earlier today the EFL board considered recent correspondence received from the National League in respect of its 3UP campaign. Following discussion, the board agreed that the most appropriate way to move matters forward was to further discuss alignment requirements with clubs at the all-club meeting in March."
Complex Considerations and Regulatory Hurdles
The spokesperson further emphasised the complexity of the issue, noting: "The league maintains that this is not a single-issue matter and one which requires detailed consideration of the other related issues and regulations at play, and close cooperation and constructive dialogue across the pyramid." This indicates that any potential change is intertwined with broader regulatory and structural factors within English football's league system.
For any amendment to be ratified, it would necessitate securing a majority vote among the 24 Championship clubs, in addition to achieving an overall majority across the entire cohort of 72 EFL clubs. This dual requirement underscores the significant consensus needed to enact such a transformative policy shift.
The March meeting will therefore serve as a foundational forum for clubs to express their views, examine the logistical and sporting implications, and gauge the level of support for the National League's proposal before any decisive steps are taken.
