EFL

EFL is an acronym with several meanings in English-language usage. In educational contexts, it most commonly stands for English as a Foreign Language, the study of English by non-native speakers in countries where English is not the dominant language. In sports contexts in the United Kingdom, EFL refers to the English Football League, the organization that administers the professional leagues below the Premier League. Other uses exist but are less common.

In education, English as a Foreign Language describes classroom-based and self-study approaches to acquiring English in non-English-speaking environments. It covers listening, speaking, reading, writing, and often pronunciation; curricula vary, but many programs align with the CEFR levels (A1 to C2) and prepare learners for academic, professional, or everyday communication. Instruction emphasizes communicative competence, authentic materials, and exposure to English through multimedia, though the balance between form-focused instruction and communicative activities varies by context. Assessment uses quizzes, tests, and standardized examinations such as TOEFL or IELTS, depending on goals.

The English Football League was established in 1888 as the Football League and reorganized as the EFL in 2016 to reflect its status as the league competition below the Premier League. It oversees three divisions: the Championship, League One, and League Two. Clubs compete for promotion to the Premier League and relegation to lower tiers; the league also runs cup competitions such as the EFL Cup and EFL Trophy.