National League Clubs Advocate for Fairer Promotion System Amid Delays
All 72 National League clubs are joining forces to push for a more equitable promotion and relegation system between their league and the English Football League (EFL). The clubs have collectively penned a letter to the EFL Board, urging for the introduction of three promotion spots between the two leagues starting from the upcoming season.
Historically, the EFL operated with a single promotion spot until 1987, when a second place was added via the play-off system in 2003. While talks of extending this to three promotion spots have been circulating, progress has hit a roadblock. The Football League has indicated that any decision on this matter will be deferred until the Independent Regulator, set to be established soon, resolves the ongoing funding dispute between the EFL and the Premier League.
Mark Ives, the General Manager of the National League, expressed his frustration with the timeline, suggesting that it may take up to four years before the additional promotion place is even up for discussion. “The regulator will be set up in law this year, I am fairly certain of that,” Ives shared with BBC Sport. “But by the time it is set up, started, staff trained and all the elements of the Bill are in place and then, potentially, the dispute between the Premier League and EFL has been aired with a backstop, that could be three years. Then we have the discussion on the three-up campaign, which will delay it by another year. That could be four seasons.”
The debate around the promotion system has exposed tensions between the EFL and the National League, particularly after Ives represented his league at a Premier League reception in the Houses of Parliament. National League clubs fear that any legal disputes between the regulator and clubs may result in financial consequences trickling down to their level. On the other hand, the EFL perceives the National League’s stance as a challenge to their request for a larger share of the Premier League’s financial pie.
Ives highlighted the need for a fairer system, emphasizing that the current two-up, two-down structure between the National League and EFL is inequitable. With 15 former EFL clubs currently competing in the National League, the promotion issue impacts a significant portion of the football pyramid. Over the past decade, eight out of the 19 teams relegated from League Two have successfully climbed back up through promotion, underscoring the importance of a more balanced promotion system.
The National League champions from last season, Chesterfield, and play-off winners Bromley, exemplify the potential for success following promotion. Both clubs have managed respectable standings in League Two, showcasing the competitive caliber of National League teams. Forest Green Rovers and Sutton United, the two clubs relegated from League Two, are also demonstrating strong performances in the fifth tier.
In response to the National League’s plea, the EFL acknowledged the importance of considering changes to the promotion and relegation structure. However, any modifications must align with broader reforms that benefit all levels of the footballing ecosystem. As the discussions continue, the fate of the promotion system hangs in the balance, impacting clubs across the National League and the EFL.
As football enthusiasts eagerly await a resolution, the call for a fairer promotion system echoes throughout the league structures, emphasizing the need for equity and opportunity for all clubs. The push for three promotion spots signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of English football, where the spirit of competition and meritocracy reign supreme. Stay tuned as the saga unfolds, shaping the future landscape of the beautiful game.
