Promotion and Relegation in Football
Learn how promotion, relegation, playoffs, and playouts work in football and why the criteria vary between competitions.
What promotion and relegation mean
In football, promotion and relegation are mechanisms that allow teams to move up or down divisions based on the results obtained during the season.
Promotion moves a team to a higher division, while relegation drops it to a lower category.
How promotion works
In many leagues, teams that finish the season in the top positions earn direct promotion.
The number of promoted teams varies depending on the competition and regulations.
What direct promotion is
Direct promotion is granted without the need for additional matches.
For example, if the rules provide for two direct promotions, the top two teams in the standings automatically move up to the higher category.
What playoffs are
Playoffs are additional matches played at the end of the regular season.
They are used in some competitions to assign one or more available promotion spots.
They can be organized as semifinals, finals, or other formats established by the league's regulations.
Who participates in playoffs
Usually, teams finishing the season just behind the direct promotion spots participate.
The number of participants and format can vary from one competition to another.
How relegation works
Teams that finish in the bottom positions of the standings may be relegated to a lower category.
The number of relegated teams depends on the competition’s regulations.
What direct relegation is
Direct relegation occurs when the final league position automatically causes the team to move down a category.
No additional matches are necessary in this case.
What playouts are
Playouts are matches used in some competitions to determine which team must be relegated.
They usually involve teams that finished the season in the lower part of the standings.
Are playoffs and playouts the same in all leagues?
No.
Each competition can set different criteria for the number of teams participating, match formats, possible home and away games, and tiebreak criteria.
What happens if two teams finish tied on points
If two or more teams end the season with the same points, the criteria established by the competition’s regulations are applied.
Common tiebreakers include:
- Head-to-head results;
- Goal difference;
- Goals scored;
- Possible playoff matches.
What a survival playoff is
In some competitions, a playoff match can be held to decide which team stays in the category and which is relegated.
This playoff is only used when expressly provided by the regulations.
Why promotion and relegation exist
The system allows teams from lower categories to earn the right to play at a higher level on the field.
At the same time, teams with worse results can be relegated.
This helps keep championships competitive both at the top and bottom of the standings.
What promotion entails
Moving up a division can mean facing stronger opponents, different stadiums, and a higher competitive level.
Revenues, TV rights, sponsorships, and management costs may also change.
What relegation entails
Relegation can have significant sporting and economic consequences.
A team might face lower revenues and be forced to change its squad, budget, and objectives.
Is promotion always automatic?
No.
In some competitions, besides sporting results, administrative, financial, or stadium requirements may also be necessary.
The exact conditions depend on the league or federation regulations.
How to read promotion and relegation zones in the standings
Many standings highlight positions related to promotion, playoffs, playouts, and relegation with different colors.
It is important to check the competition's regulations since the meaning of positions can vary.
How to follow standings and results on Football17
On Football17 you can follow results, standings, and progress of available competitions.
By comparing points and team positions, you can understand which clubs are fighting for the top spots and which are battling to avoid relegation.
Frequently asked questions
What does promotion mean?
It is the movement of a team to a higher category.
What does relegation mean?
It is the movement of a team to a lower category.
What are playoffs?
They are additional matches used in some competitions to assign promotion spots.
What are playouts?
They are matches that may determine which team is relegated.
How many teams get promoted?
It depends on the regulations of each competition.
How many teams get relegated?
The number of relegations also varies depending on the league.