Latest news with #Uggla
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
York City and a ‘3UP' campaign intended to make football a little less silly
FAIR GAME? With a reduced slate of action and few transfers of note this week in the men's or women's game (unless you count Mainz signing forward and renowned Gwen Stefani fan Benedict Hollerbach), and still no word on Arne Slot's new residency in Ibiza, Football Daily was fast running out of content for Tuesday's missive. So thank goodness for the open letter from York City owner Julie-Anne Uggla addressed to the National League and the Football League, regarding the 'structurally unjust' promotion system in the fifth tier of English football, which sees just the regular season winners (this season: Barnet) and one playoff winner go up from six teams, who finished second to seventh. Hurray! Advertisement Uggla is a supporter of the 3UP campaign, which proposes that there should be three (not two) teams promoted from the National League, adopting a similar system to the rest of the Football League. In the Championship, League One and League Two, at least two teams are promoted automatically (three in League Two!), with an additional team going up via the playoffs. It might surprise you to learn that York finished second in the National League, and failed to make the playoff final. Instead, Oldham Athletic, the feeder club of Football Daily's five-a-side team Old and Unathletic, returned to the EFL after beating Southend in the playoff final. For reference, Oldham and Southend finished 23 and 28 points behind York in the regular season, respectively. 'Such a glaring imbalance not only undermines sporting merit but erodes the very foundations of fair competition,' fumed Uggla. 'To dominate a league campaign so comprehensively (Barnet the only exception), only to be forced into a playoff lottery, is structurally unjust. It penalises excellence and rewards clubs with fewer points in a way no professional league system should condone. 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,' she continued. 'At the very least, this season's outcome should provoke an honest re-evaluation of what fairness in football truly means.' Uggla certainly has a valid point and the principle of fighting for 'fairness' on behalf of all football teams in the National League is a noble one, even if it is slightly soured by the fact that York, having finished second, would have been the key beneficiaries of a change. It might have been stronger for someone without a vested interest to lead the charge here, seeing as York started this season knowing full well what the format and rules were and only initially signed up to the '3UP' model in February, when they were unexpectedly in a three-horse race for the title. Uggla, who bought York in 2023, might also be unaware that the club have benefited from odd football rules of the past: City escaped dropping out of the Football League (the old Third Division) in 1977-78 season when relegation back then was decided not by league placing but by a vote where existing member clubs would just decide which one of the bottom teams would keep their place. Automatic relegation/promotion to/from the fifth tier did not exist at all until 1987, and the second playoff place was only introduced in 2003. All of that aside, Uggla is speaking sense. It is a little silly that York, who finished second on 96 points, were not promoted. But football is a bit silly, and had City instead finished seventh, would Uggla have been so vocal in fighting the good fight? I guess we'll never know. LIVE ON BIG WEBSITE Join Yara El-Shaboury from 6pm BST for minute-by-minute coverage of Spain 3-1 England in the Women's Nations League. QUOTE OF THE DAY 'Of course that reaches you, but we don't care … actually, in fact, I would say thanks to them because it can be extra motivation, petrol to fuel you. And we won. Let them talk and do all the memes they want now' – Pedro Porro gets his chat on with Sid Lowe about Tottenham's Bigger Vase triumph, the 'Spursy' tag and Ange Postecoglou's future in N17. FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS Re: yesterday's Football Daily. At least Inter didn't experience what the Italian team did when they returned home from England in 1966 after a dreadful World Cup. They had tomatoes thrown at them when they landed at the airport in Italy' – John Jones. In the past four years, I have gone from procrastinating at work, in exactly the same job, by endlessly writing to The Fiver to endlessly writing to Football Daily, whereas Vitinha has gone from his only goal at on loan at Wolves (one that wasn't even taken up by Wolves) to this. But, being a high achiever is vastly overrated, probably …' – Noble Francis. While searching for a receipt for a large donut order, I stumbled across an old tea-timely newsletter titled: 'Performing donuts in the centre circle in a car with square wheels.' I was struck by this particular quote: 'So Leicester City's dream of joining Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa in the pantheon of unlikely European champions is over. A terrible shame but on the flip side they don't look like becoming irrelevant second-tier mediocrities any time soon, so it's swings and roundabouts.' While some things do change, it's reassuring to know that your curse of the commentator will always come true eventually' – Ian James. Advertisement If you do have any, please send letters to Today's winner of our prizeless letter o' the day is … John Jones. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, can be viewed here. RECOMMENDED LISTENING It's a Football Weekly end-of-season mailbag special. RECOMMENDED LOOKING Here's David Squires on … the PSG fairytale. • This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
EFL told to 'restore credibility' by furious club denied promotion
York City's co-owner has written to the EFL and National League to complain about current format after finishing second only to lose out in play-offs to team that finished 23 points behind YORK CITY have lodged a furious complaint with the EFL and National League over the "glaring imbalance" of the promotion system. The Minstermen missed out on a League return for the first time since 2016 after finishing second to winners Barnet before losing in the play-offs to Oldham, who were 23 points and three places behind in the table. York were also 13 points clear of third-placed Forest Green only to lose 3-0 in a one-off game against the fifth-placed Latics. Oldham then went on to beat Southend United in Sunday's final. Earlier this season National League clubs began the 3UP campaign to call for three clubs to win promotion every season. And York co-owner Julie-Anne Uggla has now asked the governing bodies to 'reward merit and restore credibility to the system' by introducing immediate reform. 'Such a glaring imbalance not only undermines sporting merit but erodes the very foundations of fair competition,' Uggla wrote in a letter to both leagues. '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." The 3UP proposal has previously been discussed by the EFL board but any changes to promotion and relegation will require the backing of a majority of its 72 clubs in a vote. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
York co-owner calls for immediate reform of English fifth tier promotion structure after finishing 23 points above Oldham
The Minstermen missed out on a return to the Football League as they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Oldham, having finished second in the league table behind champions Barnet, 28 points clear of the final play-off position. In February, the National League launched the '3UP campaign' with the aim of securing three promotion places to League Two for the 2025/26 season. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. But Uggla has called for 'an immediate review, temporary relief measures, or an accelerated implementation of the '3UP' model' with the intention of York earning instant promotion to League Two. In an open letter to the National League and the EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, she said: '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. 'Such a glaring imbalance not only undermines sporting merit but erodes the very foundations of fair competition. '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. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content '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 returned to the Football League after they beat Southend 3-2 after extra time in the play-off final at Wembley on Sunday. Uggla added: 'I would also like to point out that writing this letter should not undermine the achievements of Oldham Atletic from their victory at Wembley yesterday, 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 EFL declined to comment. The change would require a change of league regulations via a vote of EFL clubs, and would require a majority among all clubs and a majority among Championship clubs. It is understood the matter was discussed by the EFL board earlier this year but no clubs vote is currently planned. Clubs have previously indicated they would consider changes to the current position on promotion and relegation from the National League to EFL as part of a complete package of measures and reforms across the pyramid from bottom to top.
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
York co-owner calls for immediate reform of National League promotion structure
The Minstermen missed out on a return to the Football League as they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Oldham, having finished second in the league table behind champions Barnet, 28 points clear of the final play-off position. In February, the National League launched the '3UP campaign' with the aim of securing three promotion places to League Two for the 2025/26 season. Unjust Promotion Rules – A Call for Immediate Reform An open letter from Julie-Anne Uggla addressed to the National League & the EFL ⤵️#YCFC🔴🔵 — York City FC (@YorkCityFC) June 2, 2025 But Uggla has called for 'an immediate review, temporary relief measures, or an accelerated implementation of the '3UP' model' with the intention of York earning instant promotion to League Two. In an open letter to the National League and the EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, she said: '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. 'Such a glaring imbalance not only undermines sporting merit but erodes the very foundations of fair competition. '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. 🗣️ 'You've got to give these teams in the National League a chance. Things have to change." Micky Mellon watched his team win promotion – and then joined the call for the 3UP#TheVanarama | 📸 @thomasleestacey — The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) June 2, 2025 '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 returned to the Football League after they beat Southend 3-2 after extra time in the play-off final at Wembley on Sunday. Uggla added: 'I would also like to point out that writing this letter should not undermine the achievements of Oldham Atletic from their victory at Wembley yesterday, 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 EFL declined to comment. The change would require a change of league regulations via a vote of EFL clubs, and would require a majority among all clubs and a majority among Championship clubs. It is understood the matter was discussed by the EFL board earlier this year but no clubs vote is currently planned. Clubs have previously indicated they would consider changes to the current position on promotion and relegation from the National League to EFL as part of a complete package of measures and reforms across the pyramid from bottom to top.
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
York co-owner calls for immediate reform of National League promotion structure
The Minstermen missed out on a return to the Football League as they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Oldham, having finished second in the league table behind champions Barnet, 28 points clear of the final play-off position. In February, the National League launched the '3UP campaign' with the aim of securing three promotion places to League Two for the 2025/26 season. Unjust Promotion Rules – A Call for Immediate Reform An open letter from Julie-Anne Uggla addressed to the National League & the EFL ⤵️#YCFC🔴🔵 — York City FC (@YorkCityFC) June 2, 2025 But Uggla has called for 'an immediate review, temporary relief measures, or an accelerated implementation of the '3UP' model' with the intention of York earning instant promotion to League Two. In an open letter to the National League and the EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, she said: '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. 'Such a glaring imbalance not only undermines sporting merit but erodes the very foundations of fair competition. '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. 🗣️ 'You've got to give these teams in the National League a chance. Things have to change." Micky Mellon watched his team win promotion – and then joined the call for the 3UP#TheVanarama | 📸 @thomasleestacey — The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) June 2, 2025 '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 returned to the Football League after they beat Southend 3-2 after extra time in the play-off final at Wembley on Sunday. Uggla added: 'I would also like to point out that writing this letter should not undermine the achievements of Oldham Atletic from their victory at Wembley yesterday, 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 EFL declined to comment. The change would require a change of league regulations via a vote of EFL clubs, and would require a majority among all clubs and a majority among Championship clubs. It is understood the matter was discussed by the EFL board earlier this year but no clubs vote is currently planned. Clubs have previously indicated they would consider changes to the current position on promotion and relegation from the National League to EFL as part of a complete package of measures and reforms across the pyramid from bottom to top.
