The National League clubs are pushing for a third promotion place to the English Football League, as part of a new campaign called ‘3UP’. The move has been supported by all 72 clubs across the level’s three divisions, with a letter now sent to the EFL requesting a vote on the issue. The National League is specifically pointing out that it is the only “step” in the top tiers of English football that doesn’t have at least three promotion places.
While there is some sympathy for that position within the EFL, it is offset by extreme concern among a lot of clubs over cost control issues at that stage of non-league. There is a feeling that such a change without complementary financial reform could have a further destabilising effect on the pyramid, and that at a point when discussions are ongoing over both the independent football regulator and a post-Covid financial package from the Premier League.
