Does the EFL Playoff System Need Changing?
The EFL playoffs were first introduced in the 1986-87 season and have become a staple of English football. A final twist after 46 games in a long, grueling season. However, as thrilling as they are, it is time to raise the question. Does the current system actually reward the best teams, or just the ones that peak at the end of the season?
If a team finishes third in the Championship or League One (fourth in League Two), their prize is not automatic promotion. Instead, you’ll face a team that could have finished 10 or more points below you, and you are fighting for the same reward. Then, if you make it through that, you still have to win the final at Wembley. And if you lose? You are thrown right back into the same league for the next season. An example of this would be the 2024/25 season, where Sheffield United missed out on a spot in the Premier League.
That season, they earnt a staggering 90 points across the whole season, winning 28 games of out a possible 46. That is the same number of wins as second placed Burnley who secured a spot in the Premier League through automatic promotion. Sheffield United even finished 14 points above fourth placed Sunderland, who actually beat The Blades in the final due to a 90+5 minute winner from Tom Watson. Despite all of their efforts that season, their work was completely diminished due to just one single loss at Wembley.
Despite this, it is a format that is built for ‘nail-biting’ moments and drama, not exactly for fairness. The chaos and the beauty of anticipating the unexpected dominates a huge part of football. Only four clubs from each league enter the playoffs, so for the neutral, it’s one of football’s most entertaining events.
This is especially for the final, at England’s home ground, Wembley, which holds up to 90,000 people. Huge. One team can only achieve promotion. The other will have to try again next season.
Everything is on the line and without playoffs, football may seem bland. Seasons would end and would that be it? The EFL is loved for its playoff system. So, is there a middle ground? Is there a way that could make it fair whilst also scintillating? Well, there are many options to keep the playoffs exciting whilst handing the teams that finished higher an advantage.
In Spain, the ‘Segunda Division’ (Second tier) hold roughly the same playoff, however, instead of penalties, the team that finished higher in the league goes through, if the tie ends in a draw. A slight advantage yet still an enticing watch.
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Ultimately, the playoffs are part of the EFL’s identity, and without them, and the excitement that they bring, seasons would fall flat. It gives the teams sitting around the top half of the table to fight for a spot in the playoffs. A team could just about take that sixth spot after a season of ups and downs and still end up in the league above. Thats why playoffs are magical and tweaking them could spark anger in the football fanbase.
In a sport that is forever evolving, playoffs are a historic and beautiful part of the EFL and should not be changed. If you are good enough that season, then you will be promoted. It is about moments, and if you can’t produce them, then you don’t belong in the leagues above.
By: Jack Sykes
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Stephen Pond / Getty Images