The EFL is set to offer three promotional places to the National League as chairman Rick Parry’s contribution to financial restart plans.
The Daily Mail reports that the EFL acknowledges this so-called ‘New Deal for Football’ citing its responsibility to help clubs move down the pyramid. Thus, an additional promotion spot to the National League would be one way clubs would benefit.
The Vanarama National League, which is regarded as the fifth tier in English football, to date guarantees promotion to its champions with second place being determined via a four team play-off.
The automatic promotion slot for champions came into effect in 1997, while the second promotion slot was introduced in 2003.
Renewal needs a majority to approve changes
However, it is reported that any changes to the promotion and relegation system would need a majority vote of the clubs and would not be implemented until next season at the earliest.
Having an additional promotion spot wouldn’t affect how the league works, but it would surely motivate clubs competing for the elusive promotion spots. Talks about the proposed changes are expected to intensify early in the year.
Notts County’s current favorites for promotion
Notts County are currently top of the standings in the National League with 54 points from 3 games, while Wrexham sit second with four points with one game to go. Wrexham, owned by American actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is expected to welcome the proposal.
The Welsh team have a large fan base in the United States with ESPN broadcasting their FA Cup matches early in the season.
The report also claims that negotiations with the Premier League are still stalled over receiving more merit-based funding for the flight.
Image Credit: IMAGO/PA Images
