EFL respond to National League chiefs’ calls for three promotion spots

The EFL are sympathetic to the National League’s new “three-up” campaign which wants to introduce an extra promotion place into League Two from next season

EFL chiefs have opened the door to the National League’s “three-up” campaign.

But they have insisted they must be part of a “broader package of reforms” across the whole of the pyramid.

All 72 National League clubs – including the likes of Oldham, Altrincham, Southend and Hartlepool – have backed a letter to the EFL asking for an extra promotion place into League Two from next season.

They want it brought in from the start of the 2025/26 season which would be revolutionary for the National League as it would see three clubs go up three down rather than the current two. National League bosses believe it would create a more fluid promotion and relegation but formal talks with the EFL have been on the back burner for a while.

The EFL are sympathetic to the campaign and it could even help some clubs but it would require a vote from all clubs to introduce an extra place. It also requires an additional vote – and majority – from Championship clubs as it represents a change to the statute.

An EFL Spokesperson said: “Recognising the strength of the pyramid, the League has been consistent in its commitment to looking both upwards and down when considering future changes.

“As such, we remain willing to consider changes to the current position on promotion and relegation in the EFL, but these discussions must be part of a broader package of reforms which benefit all levels of the game.”

National League Chair Jack Pearce believes the move would mean “increased financial stability” for clubs and create a more “fluid football pyramid”. 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’.

“Whilst we recognise and respect the EFL’s verbal support for the National League on three promotions, our clubs have now made it abundantly clear that they see no reason for a further delay on the official process. Rick Parry, the EFL Chair, has often said that ‘the EFL should look down as well as up’ so we’d now like that to actually happen.”

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