Frequently asked questions
- What is the football pyramid?
- The football pyramid is a country's tiered system of leagues, from the top division down through many lower levels, all connected by promotion and relegation.
- How does the football pyramid work?
- Clubs that finish near the top of a division can be promoted to the one above, and those near the bottom can be relegated to the one below, linking every tier together.
- Can a small club rise to the top of the pyramid?
- In principle, yes. Because the tiers are connected by promotion and relegation, a lower-league club can climb, season by season, all the way to the top division over time.
- How is the pyramid different from American sports leagues?
- Most North American leagues are closed franchises with the same teams every year. The pyramid is open — a place in the top division is earned on the pitch and can be lost through relegation.
- How many levels does the English football pyramid have?
- The English pyramid runs from the Premier League down through the EFL divisions, the National League and many regional levels below, spanning a large number of connected tiers.