The National League has launched a concerted effort to reshape the promotion and relegation system between League Two and the National League, advocating for a three-up, three-down model instead of the current system, which sees only one automatic promotion spot and another via playoffs. All 72 National League clubs have united in this push, formally endorsing a “3UP” campaign and sending a letter to EFL chiefs, urging them to consider a vote among member clubs on this significant change. They argue that the existing structure creates an inconsistency within the football pyramid, where other leagues operate on a three-up, three-down principle. This disparity, they believe, hinders the natural flow of clubs between the leagues and limits opportunities for upward mobility within the lower tiers of English football.
The rationale behind the National League’s push for change stems from several key arguments. Firstly, they contend that a three-up, three-down system would better reflect the overall structure of the English football pyramid, creating a more fluid and dynamic movement of clubs between divisions. Secondly, they emphasize the increased opportunities for ambition and aspiration that additional promotion places would provide to clubs in the National League and even in leagues below. This added incentive, they believe, would inject greater competition and excitement into the lower tiers of the game. Thirdly, the campaign highlights the significant presence of former EFL clubs within the National League, demonstrating the potential for clubs to bounce back quickly with a more accessible promotion pathway. Currently, seven of the top National League clubs, and another six further down, have previously competed in the EFL, showcasing the desire and ability within the National League to compete at a higher level.
National League Chairman Jack Pearce underlines the urgency of this matter, particularly with the impending arrival of the government’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR). He believes the regulator’s focus on financial sustainability, economic resilience, and preservation of football heritage aligns perfectly with the 3UP campaign’s objectives. Pearce emphasizes the deep community roots of National League clubs, their role as the heart of their towns and cities, and the significant positive impact that an extra promotion place would have on these clubs and their supporters. He further argues that delaying this change serves no purpose and goes against the spirit of creating a fairer and more dynamic football ecosystem.
Furthermore, Pearce points out that the EFL has previously expressed in-principle support for the 3UP proposal. However, the EFL appears reluctant to move forward while consultations with the IFR and the Premier League regarding income distribution are ongoing. The National League argues that the 3UP campaign is crucial for the overall health of the game and aligns with the government’s objectives for football, deserving equal priority with other issues on the agenda. They call on EFL Chair Rick Parry to act on his previous statements about the EFL needing to “look down as well as up” and to prioritize this vital change for the lower leagues.
The National League’s campaign represents a significant push for greater equity and fluidity within the English football pyramid. They believe that the current system unfairly restricts opportunities for ambitious clubs in the National League, hindering their potential and limiting the dynamism of the lower leagues. Their arguments, focusing on fairness, community impact, and the overall health of the game, aim to persuade the EFL and its member clubs to seriously consider and implement the three-up, three-down system. The impending arrival of the IFR and its focus on sustainability and heritage adds further weight to their arguments, creating a timely opportunity for meaningful change.
The proposed change has far-reaching implications for the football landscape, potentially creating a more vibrant and competitive lower-tier system. While the EFL’s response remains to be seen, the National League’s united front and well-articulated arguments are putting considerable pressure on the league to reconsider the current structure. The outcome of this campaign could significantly alter the dynamics of promotion and relegation, impacting the aspirations and fortunes of clubs across multiple levels of English football. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining stability and fostering opportunity within the complex and interconnected world of professional football.
