Portsmouth fans to ‘cancel season tickets’ as controversial Championship proposal is considered by EFL
Portsmouth’s return to the Championship in 2024 has been successful so far.
John Mousinho guided the Fratton Park side to safety in the second-tier last season with games to spare.
On top of this, Portsmouth are now even considered outsiders for promotion this campaign, as their squad continues to improve.
A return to the Premier League is no doubt the dream for many of the Fratton Park faithful, and the playoffs may be their best chance of achieving this.
EFL considers expanding Championship playoffs to six teams
Reports emerged last week that the EFL was considering expanding the playoffs in the Championship.
This would see teams that finish seventh and eighth qualify for the promotion matches, facing an eliminator round against fifth and sixth before the current format begins.
This has reportedly already received widespread backing from multiple club executives.
However, many fans from these clubs are against the proposal, including multiple from Portsmouth.
Taking to X, many expressed their anger with the move, stating that they would “cancel their season tickets if it goes through.
Bit of an overreaction. Personally I don’t like adding 7th and 8th and have always thought it would be better if 3rd and 4th played each other in a shoot out to then play winners of 18th in prem
— Doug Oliver (@DougOliver_) September 24, 2025
Would be a retrograde move. As it is, there is a huge gulf between premiership and Championship.
— Matthew Greentree (@MatthewGreentr4) September 24, 2025
Hi @Pompey. Can you please confirm whether or not you are one of the clubs supporting this ridiculous proposal? I’m asking because I may need to prepare myself mentally for ending my run of 65 consecutive season ticket renewals, man and boy. https://t.co/deDgC6qTNW
— Vectensian (@grahamdubber) September 23, 2025
However, many Portsmouth fans were also for the proposal, believing the current system is “outdated.”
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As a season ticket holder of only 25 years, I’m in favour of this proposal.
— Controversial Carlton 🇺🇦 (@therevba) September 23, 2025
Overall, this would be beneficial for Pompey, let’s not kid ourselves as being a top 6 championship team yet. Opening this up to the top 10 would give us an outside shot at making the playoffs.
— TomWilliams (@desertislandtom) September 24, 2025
I’m
— HONOURABLE BANDITS 🍅 [VIGOR PARTNER] (@Honourable_HB) September 24, 2025
All for this
It’s a great change to a outdated system.
The expanded playoff’s work excellently in the National league
Portsmouth may benefit from Championship playoff expansion
While the proposal may be controversial, Portsmouth may well benefit from its introduction as they seek to return to the Premier League.
Obviously, if implemented, there is a bigger chance that Pompey can make it into the playoffs and potentially win promotion.
However, this could also prove to be a bigger challenge, with the top two in the playoffs in the National League winning promotion in five of the last eight seasons.
This may well be down to these sides not having to play an extra game, and therefore, they are fresher.
Something does need to be done to combat the dominance of the relegated Premier League sides and their parachute payments, and it remains to be seen if this proposal is the answer.
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