"Since their introduction in 1986/87, the Play-Offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special. 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 Championship play-offs will be expanded from next season, with six teams competing for a spot in the Premier League rather than the current four. Teams finishing between third and eighth will enter the play-offs with an updated bracket designed to funnel two of them into the Wembley showpiece widely regarded as the richest game in football."
The EFL Championship play-off format will undergo significant changes beginning in the 2026-27 season following approval by member clubs. The expansion increases participating teams from four to six, with positions three through eight entering the competition. The new structure includes seven total fixtures designed to maintain competitive late-season matches and provide more clubs with realistic promotion opportunities. Teams finishing third and fourth receive byes to the semi-finals, while fifth through eighth compete in one-legged eliminator matches. The semi-finals follow the traditional two-legged format, with winners advancing to the Wembley final. This reform aims to strengthen the Championship as a competition and enhance the drama and jeopardy characteristic of EFL play-offs.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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