Play Off Format

[Panini]

Surprised how many are unaware of why the playoffs came into being in the first place.

3 automatic places would typically lead to around 25% of matches each season being worth absolutely nothing.

Also surprised to see how few are aware that the QF system has been in place in the National League for a while now.

I think it's somewhat unexpected that this sort of change isn't being introduced across the EFL simultaneously but I'm sure L1 and L2 will follow, and they already don't share the same promotion/relegation format.

 

[dexter101]

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said “the play-offs have become a "highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special".



Well if he said it then must be true…….

If this is true, then why aren't they looking at having a Premier league play off like the Rugby?

top three get promotion, bottom 3 relegated.

Whilst they are messing about with things, I think they should bring in a weighting based on squad value. Each club starts on a different number of points based on their spend. That way promoted teams have a head start against the bigger clubs and clubs have to manage their spending because it will actually have a negative impact.

It would certainly capture the "drama, suspense and jeopardy"

 

[Granada Blade]

First team to lose a play off final against a team who finished 8th, let's go for that next

 

[GeorgeDonis1889]

First team to lose a play off final against a team who finished 8th, let's go for that next

It's just so obvious isnt it. After finishing 37 points above them. Something to look forward to

 

[SB_90]

the only issue i have is not extending it its playoffs still 2 legged. just follow the National league, 1 game, team that finished higher in league gets home advantage

because i assume that the 2 legged games would now be for example in 2025 12/13th may & then I guess 16th/18th may then final 24th may its very cramped.

they mostly likely going to make the 1st legs even more cagey. as 2025 was the anomaly as between 2022 & 2024. we had 4 draws in 6 1st legs

for me hypothetical 2025 schedule
8th may - 6th v 7th
9th may - 5th v 8th

12th may 3rd v 6th / 7th
13th may 4th v 5th / 8th

 

[Edgar Allan Poo]

Championship play-offs: EFL clubs vote in favour of six-team play-off

EFL clubs approve plans to expand the Championship play-offs from four to six teams for the 2026-27 season onwards.

www.bbc.co.uk

Expansion to 6 teams confirmed for next year

Has this been cleared with Donald Trump, President of Earth?

 

[JPBrods]

It is simply the EFL scrambling to find ever new ways for Sheffield United to be humiliated in the playoffs. The Sunderland final felt like a room of writers running out of ideas.

 

[Nick Jansky]

I can see how expanding this from a TV revenue and sponsorship point of view would make sense and make it more exciting for more teams.

However, at what point are we rewarding mediocrity? And where is the motivation to be the very best?

There will still be plenty of incentive to finish in the top two.