Overview
- Sky Sports reports the EFL formally set out the idea to all 24 Championship clubs last week, with the board now considering the plan.
- The proposal, put forward by Preston North End chief executive Peter Ridsdale, is said to have broad backing among club executives.
- The format under discussion adds two one-off eliminators — 5th vs 8th and 6th vs 7th at the higher-placed club — feeding into the existing two-legged semi-finals for 3rd and 4th.
- Any change cannot be implemented this season and would require sign-off from both the Football Association and the Premier League.
- Supporters cite fewer late-season dead rubbers and a counter to parachute-payment advantages, while critics warn of perceived unfairness and possible dilution of Premier League quality, with lower-league stakeholders also wary of wider rollout.