The SPFL have informed Championship clubs of a plan to cut the number of play-offs games required to secure a place in the Premiership.
As things stand the team which finishes third or fourth in the second tier is required to come through a gruelling six games to secure promotion. In contrast the team which finishes eleventh in the Premiership need only play two.
Under proposals put forward by the Competitions Working group Championship club three would potentially play club four over one leg instead of two from season 2026-27, with club three enjoying home advantage. The winner of that tie would then play the league runners-up in a one-off game with club two at home.
The side which comes through that process would then face the side which finishes eleventh in the Premiership over two legs to decide who takes their place in the top flight.
If applied to the current play-offs Ayr United would have hosted Partick Thistle at home in a one-off game for the right to play Livingston in West Lothian.
The plans put to Championship sides during a virtual meeting with league Chief Executive Neil Doncaster and Chief Operating Officer Calum Beattie yesterday would also see the 50% gate levy on play-off ties scrapped and the even sharing of gates from play-off games.
The blueprint is part of a package of reconstruction proposals which could see the Championship expand from 10 to 12 or 14 teams.
Depending on what size the Championship settles on a new League One of 16 or 18 teams would then be constructed- with an eight team League Two consisting of teams invited to take part via a ‘participation agreement’ rather than league membership. That move, designed to help traditional community clubs who have dropped out of the league, seems likely to irk ambitious clubs lower down the pyramid. League Two sides would also receive invitations to domestic cup competitions.
Chairmen and Chief Executives from teams in Leagues One and Two are scheduled to meet league office bearers to discuss the plans today.
