EFL Clubs to Vote on Championship Play-Off Expansion

Football

English Football League clubs will vote next month on a proposal to expand the Championship play-offs from four to six teams.

EFL clubs are set to vote on a significant change to the Championship play-off format at an extraordinary general meeting on 5 March. The proposal aims to expand the play-offs from four to six teams, potentially starting from the 2026-27 season.

Under the new structure, an eliminator round would be introduced. Teams finishing fifth would host eighth, and sixth would host seventh in one-off ties. The winners would then progress to two-legged semi-finals against the third and fourth-placed teams, before the traditional Wembley final.

The Football Association board has already approved the change, despite reported concerns from the Premier League regarding a potential drop in standards. A simple majority is required for the motion to pass, needing support from at least 37 of the 72 EFL clubs and 13 of the 24 Championship clubs.

Get transfer news fresh from top journalists on X, delivered straight to your phone. Download QFAX for real-time updates.

EMAIL: [email protected]