National League’s 3UP campaign to be discussed by EFL clubs in March

A meeting next month with all 72 EFL clubs will discuss the possibility of introducing a third promotion place from the National League.

The EFL clubs meet on March 4-5, though it is understood no formal vote will be held then.

Currently, only the National League title winners go up automatically, whilst a second club earns promotion via the play-offs.

The National League launched its 3UP campaign a year ago, urging the EFL to introduce a third promotion place into League Two from the fifth tier of English football.

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Detailed consideration

An EFL spokesperson said on Thursday: “Earlier today, the EFL board considered recent correspondence received from the National League in respect of its 3UP campaign.

“Following discussion, the board agreed that the most appropriate way to move matters forward was to further discuss alignment requirements with clubs at the all-club meeting in March.

“The league maintains that this is not a single-issue matter and one which requires detailed consideration of the other related issues and regulations at play, and close cooperation and constructive dialogue across the pyramid.”

Any change would need a majority of the 24 Championship clubs and overall approval from all 72 EFL sides.

Rewarding merit

Last season, York City finished second with 96 points but missed out on promotion, another example of high-performing sides facing the lottery of the play-offs in the National League.

The 3UP campaign calls for a third automatic promotion spot, rewarding merit, strengthening the pyramid, and aligning the National League with the EFL’s three automatic promotion places.

This season, several sides are locked in a thrilling promotion race, with the Minstermen and Rochdale emerging as early leaders for automatic promotion.

This weekend, York travel to face fourth-placed Forest Green Rovers, while Dale host third-placed Carlisle United in two key clashes that could shape the promotion race.

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