Sport

The EFL Championship set to expand playoffs to six teams in controversial move

It's not exactly been met with a warm reception...

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 5th March 2026

The English Football League (EFL) has confirmed that it will be expanding the Championship playoffs to six teams moving forward.

In one of the biggest changes, not just to the second tier but the domestic football pyramid in some time, it’s so far divided opinion – and that’s putting it mildly.

Starting from next season, the Championship will see half a dozen compete in its final knockout phase, meaning that the conclusion to the 2026/27 campaign has the potential to be even tastier than ever.

Besides the increased competition this will bring to the division itself, in turn, it could also help further mix things up in the Premier League too.

Revealing the watershed news on Thursday, 5 March, the EFL shared the update online, which has certainly left fans split over the decision.

ADVERTISEMENT

Well, in truth, it seems the majority have been left shocked and angered by the announcement, with many responding with comments like, “Who asked for this?” and “Final nail in the coffin”, as well as citing “money” and “nothing but greed” as the main drivers for the changes.

EFL clubs obviously voted for the big shake-up as the added chance of fighting their way into the top flight will no doubt benefit them financially.

ADVERTISEMENT

It remains to be seen whether this could signal similar adjustments made further down the ranks.

However, as many replied under the posts on social media, one key fear is that a team finishing in 8th – the new threshold for making it into the playoff stages – will be “slaughtered in the Prem” and that, if anything, it will highlight and/or widen the gap between the two leagues even more.

Most simply said that the current system is just “fine as it is” and “if ain’t broke don’t fix it”, but it looks like the wheels are already well and truly in motion.

ADVERTISEMENT

Safe to say that this is just a small taste of the overall reactions and almost universal consensus…

As detailed in the official statement by the EFL, Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, said: “Since their introduction in 1986/87, the Play-Offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special.

“Following several months of discussion with Clubs and other stakeholders, we are confident this change will further strengthen the Championship as a competition and give more Clubs and their supporters a genuine opportunity of achieving promotion.”

They also clarified that “the exact final format will be agreed later in 2026.”

Are you a fan of a Championship club? Even if not, what do you make of the impending and controversial changes kicking off this year?

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Ben Sutherland (via Flickr)/EFL

Sport

Manchester United youngster Jack Fletcher apologises after red card for offensive language

Danny Jones Danny Jones Jack Fletcher 6 match ban for red card after homophobic insult

Manchester United academy player Jack Fletcher has issued an apology following his red card last autumn, having been sent off for using offensive language.

Jack – one of the two Fletcher twins and son of former Man United player and current coach, Darren – has been slapped with a six-match ban for a homophobic insult uttered on the pitch back in October.

The youngster and England youth player, who made his senior debut this past December, has also been fined £1,500 for calling another player “gay boy” in the under-21s side’s 5-2 defeat to Barnsley FC in the EFL Trophy.

Fletcher, 18, must now attend a mandatory face-to-face education as well. Following confirmation of the reasoning behind the dismissal, which was initially unclear, he has also shared an official statement apologising for his behaviour.

As shared via the Football Association (FA) and Man United, Fletcher said: “I am truly sorry for the offensive word I used in the heat of the moment. “I completely understand [that] such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game.”

He also went on to say that “a momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values”, insisting that he meant no offence to the queer community in the moment.

Fletcher told the FA that he’d been thrown to the floor in the fixture and that his Achilles had been ‘stamped on’ by the same opponent earlier in the knockout clash.

The disciplinary commission accepted his response, but still believed the six-match ban was required as sufficient punishment, which will be served in the youth ranks.

Should he ‘reoffend’ or fail to complete the compulsory training issued by the FA, he will face further suspension and more serious penalties.

In the aftermath of his apology, United’s officially recognised LGBTQIA+ fan group have also shared a reply of their own, adding: “We hope Jack learns from this and grows as a person and a player,” it said. His immediate regret and guilty plea suggest that he will.”

As for his employers, the club wrote online: “Manchester United has worked with Jack to strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language and why it is harmful.

“In addition to his ongoing participation in regular Academy programmes on diversity and inclusion, Jack will also take part in educational training through the FA.”

With Jack’s brother, Tyler, also having featured in the matchday squad for the men’s first team, and his dad, Darren, still currently coaching the U18s team, you can most likely still expect all the Fletcher boys to remain in United’s future plans.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — EFL (screenshots via YouTube)

Sport

MCR Basketball to play special knockout game for the 2026 MOBO Awards in Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Basketball MOBOs game tickets

Manchester Basketball are set to play an exclusive knockout game here as part of the official MOBOs Fringe events for 2026, with this year’s awards coming to Co-op Live.

There’s a place in the last eight if they can seal a victory, too.

After what feels like a tricky couple of years for Greater Manchester’s main basketball franchise, things look to be on the up for the local team.

Rebrands and rebuilds aside, the Super League side is gradually climbing back up the standings, and with their European North Basketball League (ENBL) campaign still going strong, they could book their spot in the quarters with a win ahead of a big partnered evening in just a few weeks.

Set to face off against Croatian outfit, KK Dubrava, from Zagreb on 10 March, just a couple of weeks before the MOBO Awards get underway in Manchester, the match will be one of several events that the organisation are collaborating with.

With this year marking the MOBOs’ 30th anniversary year and, like with the BRITs, our city set to host it for the first time ever, this special game sets the tone for what’s to come in and around event week.

Fans can expect not just the major red carpet moments, but live DJs spinning hip-hop and afrobeats (courtesy of DJ Kay and special guest, DJ G2), plus a live halftime performance from a MOBO artist.

It’s yet to be confirmed who’ll be popping up centre court, but watch this space…

In case you missed the previous announcements, the 2026 MOBO Awards will see global rap icon Eve and acclaimed comedian and broadcaster Eddie Kadi host the landmark night for the North, not mention lots of other exciting stuff throughout the full Fringe schedule.

Performances already confirmed on the night include rising British superstar Olivia Dean, as well as FLO and Tiwa Savage, with more still to come.

Better still, for MCR Basketball, they also have the Super League Cup final coming up over at the AO Arena next month, too.

Tickets for all of these events are live now and available to purchase as we speak.

However, with prices for Manchester Basketball vs Dubrava, specifically, priced at just £5, we don’t expect these ones to last long.

Once again, set to be hosted on Tuesday, 10 March at the National Basketball Performance Centre over in Belle Vue, the tip-off is set for 7pm; you can secure your seats HERE.

And in case you were wondering what other big competitive events are coming to Manchester, Co-op Live is booked for its first-ever big sporting final.

Co-op Live confirmed as the host venue for the 2026 Netball Super League Grand Final

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Peter Simmons/Publicity pictures (supplied)

More Sport

Kate Abdo Scott speech about racism after Vini Jr incident Benfica Real Madrid

Manchester

Kate Scott praised for impassioned speech following more racism in Champions League

Tyler Onyango ruled out injured by Stockport County for rest of the season

Sport

Stockport County defender Tyler Onyango out injured for the rest of the season

Man United offering away fans free coaches for travel to Bournemouth game

Kids & Family

Manchester United to offer fans FREE coach travel for upcoming away game

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches