EFL rule means Wrexham could miss out on promotion to Wycombe Wanderers for frustrating reason
Wrexham are two games away from making history but their League One promotion charge could be ended in heartbreaking fashion.
After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers in their previous clash, Wrexham dropped down to third in the division behind Wycombe Wanderers on Friday.
Phil Parkinson’s side had a chance to make up for their blip just a few days later, however, when they took on Steve Bruce’s Blackpool.
Bruce and Co. had an impeccable home record for much of the 2024/25 season, but that did not stop the Red Dragons returning to form.
Paul Mullin sent a message after watching his teammates secure a major 2-1 win over Blackpool.
At the same time on Monday, Wycombe lost to Charlton Athletic, seeing Wrexham climb back inside the top two.
They now have a two-point lead over the Chairboys, but must be very wary of one EFL rule.
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EFL rule could see Wycombe promoted over Wrexham
With just two fixtures of the normal campaign left to play, it’s the Welsh outfit who are in the driver’s seat.
However, after Wycombe were beaten 4-0 on April 21, they now have the exact same goal difference as Wrexham.
Both teams sit on +28 following 44 games, which isn’t a problem right now but could be in the coming weeks.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
| 1. Birmingham City | 42 | 30 | 9 | 3 | 75 | 30 | 45 | 99 |
| 2. Wrexham | 44 | 25 | 11 | 8 | 62 | 34 | 28 | 86 |
| 3. Wycombe Wanderers | 44 | 24 | 12 | 8 | 69 | 41 | 28 | 84 |
Should the 2024/25 season come to a close with both Wrexham and Wycombe sat on the same number of points and their goal difference remain level, it will be the latter who wins promotion.
This is because, as per the official EFL handbook: “If any two or more Clubs have scored the same number of points and have the same goal difference, the higher or highest placed Club shall be the Club having scored the most goals in League Matches in that Season.”
Right now, Wycombe have scored 69, while Wrexham sit seven adrift on 62.
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Wrexham vs Wycombe head-to-head record could decide promotion
It seems likely that if the two sides do end up on the same points and goal difference, second place will be decided by goals scored.
But if Wrexham were to end with the same points, goal difference, and goals scored as Wycombe, there is a plan in place for that as well.
“If two or more Clubs have the same number of points, goal difference and goals scored the highest placed Club shall be determined by the respective League records against each other, taking into account in order of precedence, points gained, goal difference and goals scored.”
Wrexham have beaten Wycombe twice this season, so they would have the advantage in that regard.
But it seems almost impossible that Wrexham will match the Chairboys for goals scored and then still somehow end up on the same goal difference.
