MPs unite to back National League’s 3UP campaign as Lisa Nandy lends support

Dozens of MPs gathered in Westminster this week to show their support for the National League’s 3UP campaign, which is calling for a third promotion place into the EFL to bring it in line with the rest of the professional pyramid.

Politicians from across the political spectrum attended an event at Westminster Hall, urging EFL (English Football League) executives to bring about an urgent rule change.

The campaign also received a major boost with the presence of DCMS Secretary of State Lisa Nandy MP, who attended the event despite the Government and Independent Football Regulator maintaining a neutral position on promotion and relegation.

The 3UP campaign has gathered widespread momentum over the past 12 months, backed by clubs, supporters and media, with the National League claiming 93% of fans support the introduction of an additional promotion spot. A national ‘Day of Action’ also saw more than 200 clubs kick off at 3.03pm to highlight the current inconsistency.

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Simple, quick fix

The EFL recently confirmed it will formally discuss 3UP next month after tabling the issue for its all-club meetings, although no vote has yet been scheduled.

National League chairman Jack Pearce welcomed the EFL’s decision to open discussions and believes the leagues can work together to make the change happen as soon as next season.

“We welcome this step forward from the EFL,” Pearce said. “The general response to our campaign over the last 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable. Virtually the whole of the football family backs the change.

“Even the EFL recently conceded the current arrangements are ‘indefensible’ in the long term.

“The EFL maintain that 3UP should be part of wider football financial reform. We at the National League believe that will take many more years whereas 3UP would be a simple, quick fix.

“It has been 23 years since we gained a second promotional place. The time is now – particularly with wider football issues being scrutinised by the new Independent Football Regulator.

“We also feel that during the last 12 months, we have proven why 3UP should not be interdependent on wider, complex governance issues.

“Now that the EFL has scheduled a formal debate of its own clubs, we suggest working in partnership with them to help secure a successful club vote and get 3UP in place for next season.”

Tipping point

The latest show of political backing was coordinated by Dr Beccy Cooper, MP for Worthing West, who was joined by Worthing FC chairman Barry Hunter. Worthing currently compete in the National League South.

“I am proud to support the 3UP campaign, which will help secure the financial stability of vital community-based clubs and protect the unique heritage of our football pyramid,” Dr Cooper said.

“As we have seen this week, the pressure on the EFL is now at tipping point and we are urging the EFL executive to make this change happen for next season.”

The campaign’s latest push comes ahead of Macclesfield FC’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Premier League high-flyers Brentford on Monday, with the National League North side set to take on opposition more than 100 places above them in the football pyramid.

The Silkmen made headlines last month after knocking out FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in what is arguably the biggest-ever upset in the competition’s history.

The EFL is scheduled to hold its all-club meetings in the week beginning Monday March 2, where the issue of three promotions from the National League to League Two will be discussed.

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