York City owner demands immediate reform of National League promotion system after Oldham defeat
York City were denied a return to the Football League after losing to Oldham in the play-off semi-finals and their owner has called for an 'immediate review' of the system
After being denied promotion to the English Football League by losing in the play-off semi-finals to Oldham, York co-owner Julie-Anne Uggla called for an urgent overhaul of the promotion and relegation setup. The cry for immediate reform involves the EFL and the fifth-tier National League, which would potentially lead to York City's elevation to League Two.
Despite an impressive campaign that saw them fall just short in the match against Oldham — York City, having secured second place well ahead of the trailing pack — failed to clinch a Football League spot. And Uggla is now spearheading a call to action in a bid to get the Minstermen promoted, according to PA news agency.
The '3UP campaign', set into motion by the National League back in February, plans to triple the promotion spots available to advance into League Two in the 2025/26 season — but Uggla is pushing for quicker reforms, aiming to see York benefit from an expedited promotion.
In a staunch address to both the National League and Trevor Birch, the EFL's chief executive, Uggla lamented: "I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment at the current promotion system between the National League and League Two, following a season where York City FC, despite finishing 28 points clear of seventh place and winning 12 more matches, were denied promotion."
Her open letter continued with emphasis on the importance of fairness in sporting competition: "Such a glaring imbalance not only undermines sporting merit but erodes the very foundations of fair competition."
Uggla underscored the injustice of the current situation, stating: "To dominate a league campaign so comprehensively (Barnet the only exception), only to be forced into a play-off lottery, is structurally unjust. It penalises excellence and rewards inferiority in a way no professional league system should condone. While I am aware of the historical basis for the two-up structure, it is no longer fit for purpose.
"The gap between the top National League clubs and the lower EFL clubs has narrowed, and in many cases reversed, making the case for three-up promotion beyond compelling. The '3UP' campaign rightly reflects the sentiment of every National League club and countless supporters. But waiting until 2025–26 only deepens the injustice for clubs like York City, who have already paid the price for a system built on outdated assumptions.
"I urge both governing bodies to urgently consider transitional reform, whether via immediate review, temporary relief measures, or an accelerated implementation of the '3UP' model.
"At the very least, this season's outcome should provoke an honest re-evaluation of what fairness in football truly means. For clubs, fans, and the integrity of the English football pyramid, it is time to reward merit and restore credibility to the system."
Oldham made their triumphant return to the Football League after clinching a 3-2 victory over Southend in extra time during the play-off final at Wembley on Sunday.
Uggla further stated: "I would also like to point out that writing this letter should not undermine the achievements of Oldham Athletic from their victory at Wembley, and to Southend United for making the final. Their accomplishments should not go unnoticed.
"Too many great clubs, including Oldham and Southend, have fallen into this league with little chance of redemption due to the lack of promotion places. The current system is simply not sustainable anymore."
The change would necessitate a revision of league regulations through an EFL clubs vote, and would require a majority among all clubs. While it's noted that EFL officials mulled over this topic earlier in the year, a precise date for a club vote has yet to be set.
It's been indicated by clubs that they would be open to considering alterations to the status quo concerning National League to EFL promotion and relegation if it was part of broader reforms throughout the football pyramid.