Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and co to learn outcome of big EFL vote this week

Championship clubs are expected to vote in favour of a revamped play-off system, this Thursday.

But, a majority will be required among the 72 English Football League clubs, as well as a majority in the second tier. Thursday morning will see clubs vote on whether to expand the play-offs to six teams.

Currently, third and fourth play sixth and fifth, respectively, in two legged semi-finals - with the winners meeting in the Wembley final. The big change would be seventh and eighth facing sixth and fifth, respectively, in a one-legged ‘eliminator’ round.

The winners of those eliminators would then go into two-legged semi-finals against third or fourth, with the winners then competing in the final. So, nothing would change for third and fourth, other than potentially facing a lower placed team.

They would also have one fewer play-off game to play. It is thought that the idea has widespread support from Championship clubs, while reports have suggested that EFL rights holder, Sky Sports, is behind it.

Giving his view last month, PNE boss Paul Heckingbottom said: “I think it's a real positive. And again, I think the only argument I've heard against it - that anyone could throw any weight to - would be, ‘But what if you're the eighth-placed team and you go up when teams have struggled?’

“No-one's got a clue how those teams are going to spend that money or recruit, so all you're doing is being too elitist. If the eighth-placed team does go up - Sunderland went up in the play-offs and they're the ones above Leeds and Burnley, so it's a great example. You can't be that blasé about it.

“If you finished third or fourth, you might feel hard done to if the eighth-placed team beat you. But is that not what we want, that excitement? You finish third, it is always a kick in the teeth. So, you've just got to knuckle down and try that a little bit harder. You finish third (now), you play sixth.

“And it's still the same; you're going to have a game less, the way it's going to go. You're still going to have an advantage finishing third or fourth. I just think for the fans, for the interest in the league, I think it's another positive change. Everyone enjoys the Championship, enjoys speaking about it and I see it as another positive change.”

As one of three Championship representatives on the EFL Board, PNE CEO Peter Ridsdale communicated the proposal to clubs in late 2025. Speaking to talkSPORT in February, Ridsdale made it clear he is in favour of the idea, saying it ‘can only be for the good of the game’.

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan weighed in with: “What are the downsides to it? If you finish fifth/sixth, you are not going to like having to play another game. But, there are 18 teams in that league who will think they can get seventh and eighth over the course of the season.

“With that in mind, it expands the league and increases the broadcast opportunity. What the clubs will do - very simple equation - is go, 'Does it bring us more money?' If it brings more money and creates greater interest in this league, broadcast opportunities and intrigue, we'll do it."

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