"The decision is intended to increase the number of competitive fixtures during the closing stages of the campaign, while also giving two additional clubs the opportunity to reach the play-off final at Wembley Stadium and progress to the Premier League."
"Following several months of discussion with clubs and other stakeholders, we are confident this change will further strengthen the Championship as a competition and give more clubs and their supporters a genuine opportunity of achieving promotion."
"The play-offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special."
The EFL has approved an expansion of the Championship play-offs from four to six competing teams, effective from the 2026-27 season. Teams finishing third through eighth will now have the opportunity to compete for promotion to the Premier League. Third and fourth-place finishers advance directly to the semi-finals, while fifth through eighth teams compete in one-legged quarter-finals with fifth hosting eighth and sixth hosting seventh. Semi-finals remain two-legged affairs, and the final continues at Wembley in late May. This change aims to increase competitive fixtures in the campaign's closing stages and provide additional clubs genuine promotion opportunities. The expansion mirrors the National League format and has been approved by both the EFL board and Football Association.
#championship-play-offs-expansion #efl-promotion-format #premier-league-qualification #football-competition-structure
Read at www.bbc.com
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