English Football League League

The EFL: World’s Oldest Football League Competition

English Football League Short Description

The EFL, which stands for the English Football League, is the oldest football competition in the world. Founded in 1888, it is the league competition for professional football clubs in England and Wales. Until 1992, the English Football League was the highest league football competition.

Beginning

The meeting that birthed this competition was held on March 23rd, 1888, at Anderton’s Hotel in London. The meeting was called by William MacGregor, a director at Aston Villa Football Club. While the plan started at this meeting, the decision to create and establish the league was taken on April 17th, the same year. Major William Suddell of Preston North End suggested the name “Football League” for the new league at this meeting. The name was accepted, and plans for the new league’s first season began.