The English Football League is considering expanding the Championship play-offs from four teams to six, adding an “eliminator” round in a bid to inject more drama into season endings and reduce “dead-rubber” matches.
Under the proposal — presented by Preston North End CEO Peter Ridsdale in a meeting with Championship clubs — the fifth-placed team would host the eighth-placed, and the sixth would host the seventh, in single tie “eliminator” matches. The winners of those matches would then face the third- and fourth-placed clubs in two-legged semi-finals, culminating in the traditional final at Wembley to decide promotion.
Championship club executives have given early feedback that is largely positive. Many believe that expanding the play-offs to six would keep more teams involved in meaningful games for longer during the season, boosting fan interest and competitive tension. Supporters of the idea argue it would reduce the number of fixtures with little or no bearing on outcomes — matches when neither promotion nor relegation is in play.
That said, the proposal remains in its early stages. Any change would first need approval from Championship clubs, the EFL board, the Football Association, and potentially the Premier League. There is also discussion about whether similar extensions could apply to League One and League Two, though the focus so far is on the second tier.
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Critics have cautioned that extending the play-offs might reward mediocrity in some cases — allowing teams well behind the top positions to still have a chance at promotion via fewer matches. Others worry about scheduling and the strain on squads. However, clubs drawn into the idea argue these concerns are manageable.
If approved, the revised format could begin as soon as the 2026-27 season, increasing the number of teams chasing promotion and adding more high-stakes fixtures to the Championship calendar.
