York City’s co-owner has called for the National League to be immediately issued a third promotion slot.
The Minstermen missed out on a spot in League Two via the play-offs this season despite coming second in the National League.
But York suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to Oldham, who ended up earning promotion back to the EFL despite finishing 23 points off second, last month.
Since 2003, the National League has had just two promotion spots, which are available to the champions and play-off winners.
Prior to the addition of the extra slot, only the champions would move up to League Two, with promotion from the division first introduced in 1987.
Meanwhile, the Football League’s three divisions below the Premier League all see at least three clubs gain promotion each season.
Many clubs and stakeholders have called for an additional spot to be granted to the National League in recent years.
The league even launched the ‘3UP’ campaign in February in a bid to gain another berth ahead of the 2025/26 season.
York co-owner Julie-Anne Uggla has now written to the National League and EFL chief executive Trevor Birch demanding an immediate change.
Her open letter read: “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 playoff lottery, is structurally unjust.
“It penalises excellence and rewards clubs with fewer points 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2025–26 only deepens the injustice for clubs like York City, who have already paid the price for a system built on outdated assumptions.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.
“I would also like to point out that writing this letter should not undermine the achievements of Oldham Athletic 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.
“For clubs, fans, and the integrity of the English football pyramid, it is time to reward merit and restore credibility to the system.”
York finished the season just six points behind champions Barnet.
However, Adam Hinshelwood’s side missed out on joining them despite finishing 13 points clear of third-placed Forest Green.
Instead, they were beaten by eventual play-off winners Oldham, during the play-off campaign.
The Latics defeated Southend 3-2 in extra-time at Wembley Stadium on Sunday to join Barnet in the fourth tier, replacing relegated pair Carlisle and Morecambe.
Meanwhile, York are set for a tenth season away from the EFL having been relegated in 2016.
It will be their fourth campaign back in the National League, having been promoted from the National League North in 2022.
