English Football League Looks at Potential Changes for Championship Playoffs

The English Championship playoffs currently give four teams a chance to move up to the Premier League. Changes may soon allow more teams to compete for this opportunity.

Details: The Athletic reports that the English Football League is considering a new playoff format. This would expand the playoffs to include six teams instead of four.

The fifth-placed team would play against the eighth-placed team, while the sixth and seventh teams would face off in a single match at the home ground of the higher-seeded team. The winners would then move on to two-legged semifinals against the Championship’s third and fourth-placed teams.

This proposal, made by Preston North End CEO Peter Ridsdale, has seen support as it may cut down on unimportant matches at the season’s end, introduce two exciting games, and provide more clubs with a chance at promotion.

Reminder: Sunderland are the current playoff champions, with last season’s playoff matches being very exciting.