Overview
- EFL clubs will decide the proposal at an extraordinary general meeting on March 5, requiring at least 13 of 24 Championship votes and 37 of 72 across the league.
- The plan introduces a one-off eliminator round with fifth hosting eighth and sixth facing seventh, followed by two-legged semi-finals against third and fourth and the Wembley final unchanged.
- Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson backs expansion, citing the division’s depth and competitiveness, while Bristol City boss Gerhard Struber has also expressed support.
- Wrexham director Shaun Harvey opposes the change, arguing the extra fixture would worsen an already congested schedule, and Portsmouth manager John Mousinho prefers keeping the current format.
- The FA has approved holding the vote and reports note Premier League concerns about potential dilution of quality, with implementation targeted for as early as the 2026–27 season if approved.