National League Campaign for Promotion Place

National League Campaign for Promotion Place

National League Campaign for Promotion Place

All National League matches scheduled for November 15 will commence three minutes later than usual, at 15:03 GMT, as part of a campaign advocating for a third promotion spot to League Two for fifth-tier clubs.

The English Football League (EFL) has previously resisted proposals for an additional promotion place, but the National League continues to advocate for this change. The issue will be highlighted again next month, with all 12 fixtures on that day starting at the delayed time.

This campaign has garnered support from all 48 clubs in the National League North and South.

Jack Pearce, the chair of the National League, stated, "Our 72 clubs will not accept the current barriers that prevent them from achieving parity and fairness with other professional teams in England."

In February, every National League club sent a letter to the EFL board as part of the 3UP campaign, demanding the introduction of three promotion and relegation spots between the two leagues starting in the 2025-26 season.

Despite discussions, no agreement was reached, with the EFL indicating that it would wait for the newly established Independent Football Regulator (IFR) to address funding disputes before making any changes.

The EFL also noted that any modifications should be part of a comprehensive reform package across all levels of the sport, although the matter remains under consideration.

Pearce emphasized that there is substantial support for the clubs' position. "Since launching 3UP, we have received an overwhelming response from EFL clubs who privately support this change but have not had the opportunity to discuss it collectively," he remarked.

The proposal enjoys considerable backing from fans as well. A poll conducted by the Football Supporters' Association earlier this year revealed that 93% of surveyed fans across all divisions supported an additional promotion place from the National League to League Two, including 83% of fans following EFL clubs.

Implementing this regulatory change would require a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs, as well as a majority among Championship clubs.

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