EFL Promotion: National League Clubs Demand Change

🏆 National League Clubs Demand Three Promotion Spots – A Fairer System for English Football?

📅 Published: 5 February 2025 promotion-relegation system is at the center of heated debate, as all 72 National League clubs have formally demanded three promotion spots to the English Football League (EFL) starting next season. ⚽🔥

Currently, only two clubs from the National League can move up to League Two, creating what many believe is an unfair bottleneck in the football pyramid. But should the EFL finally agree to a "three up, three down" system? Let's dive into the details.

🚨 National League Calls for Change

The National League pyramid is one of the most admired football systems globally. Clubs can climb from grassroots football all the way to the Premier League—but only if they are given a fair shot at promotion. 🏆🔼

Currently, two teams from the National League move up each season:

1️⃣ The champions are promoted automatically.

2️⃣ One additional team wins promotion via the play-offs.

But National League clubs argue this isn’t enough. In a letter to the EFL Board, they demand that three teams be promoted instead of two.

🔑 Key Arguments:

✔️ Fairer Competition – Other divisions in the EFL (Championship, League One, League Two) operate with three promotion spots. Why should the National League be different? 🤷‍♂️

✔️ Bottleneck Issue – The jump between the National League and League Two is disproportionately hard, making it difficult for ambitious clubs to progress. 🚪❌

✔️ Historical Disadvantages – Before 1987, there was no automatic promotion—clubs had to rely on a vote from EFL members to get promoted! Since then, progress has been slow. ⏳

✔️ Better for Clubs & Fans – More promotion spots mean more excitement, competition, and fairness in football. 🏟️⚡

📢 "Two Up, Two Down is Simply Unfair" – Mark Ives

National League general manager Mark Ives spoke to BBC Sport, expressing his frustration with the lack of progress on this issue.

🔊 Ives on Promotion Delays:

“We have a football pyramid that is the envy of the world, where a club can rise from the very bottom to the top on sporting merit. But there’s a blockage in the system. Two-up, two-down is simply unfair."

What’s the holdup? The EFL says it won’t make a decision until a new Independent Regulator settles ongoing financial disputes between the EFL and the Premier League.

But Ives warns that waiting for a regulator could mean waiting FOUR YEARS for change—a delay that National League clubs simply can’t afford. ⏳🚫

🔥 Tensions Between EFL & National League

Relations between the EFL and National League have become increasingly tense. One major flashpoint occurred when Ives attended a Premier League event in Parliament, which some in the EFL saw as undermining their stance.

⚖️ The EFL’s Argument:

💰 They fear that legal battles involving the Independent Regulator could lead to higher financial costs for National League clubs.

💸 They believe the National League’s stance hurts their ability to secure more funding from the Premier League.

But National League clubs are adamant that financial concerns shouldn’t delay reform. They argue that the EFL should focus on creating a fairer system rather than worrying about potential legal costs. ⚖️💼

📊 How Often Do Relegated Teams Bounce Back?

One of the EFL’s main counterarguments is that National League teams already have a fair shot at promotion. But do the stats support that claim? 📈🤔

⏳ Last 10 Years of Relegation & Promotion Data

15 former EFL clubs currently play in the National League.

Of the 19 teams relegated from League Two in the past decade, only 8 have returned to the EFL.

Chesterfield, last year’s National League champions, are 10th in League Two—showing that teams can compete once promoted.

Bromley, who won the play-off final, currently sit 16th in League Two.

Meanwhile, last season’s relegated clubs (Forest Green & Sutton United) are 2nd and 10th in the National League, proving how tough it is to bounce back.

📉 Key Takeaway: While some relegated teams do return, the majority struggle—highlighting how difficult it is to escape the National League.

🗣️ Would EFL Clubs Even Vote for Three Promotion Spots?

A key obstacle to change is that EFL clubs would need to vote for it—and many may see it as a threat to their own survival.

But Ives offers a different perspective:

🔊 Ives on EFL Clubs Supporting the Change

“People ask why League One and League Two clubs would vote for this. But imagine if you fall through that narrow trap door into the National League. You’d want the best possible chance to get back up."

His argument makes sense. League Two clubs that get relegated often struggle to return, so a fairer system benefits everyone in the long run. 📊💡

🔮 What Happens Next?

The EFL has issued a neutral statement, saying they are open to discussions about promotion changes—but only as part of a broader package of reforms.

📢 EFL Official Statement:

“Recognizing the strength of the pyramid, the league has been consistent in its commitment to looking both upwards and downwards when considering future changes.”

That sounds positive, but no immediate action is planned. The reality is that unless EFL clubs push for change, the "three up, three down" system may not happen anytime soon. ⏳❌

🏆 Why This Matters for Football

This debate isn’t just about one extra promotion spot—it’s about the integrity of English football. Fair competition, sporting merit, and the chance for all clubs to rise through the ranks are what make the English football pyramid so special.

🔑 Final Thoughts:

⚽ Three up, three down would create a fairer, more exciting competition.

📊 Stats show that many relegated teams struggle to return—proving that change is needed.

🛑 Delays caused by the EFL and the Independent Regulator could mean waiting years for reform.

🏟️ Fans, players, and clubs deserve a football system where success is based on merit—not closed doors.

❓ What Do You Think?

Should the EFL agree to three up, three down between League Two and the National League? Or is the current two promotion spots fair enough? 🤔👇

Drop your thoughts in the comments! 💬🔥