There are calls for a significant EFL Championship rule change following the events in the Wolves vs Blackburn match.

The 2026/27 EFL Championship season may only have just begun, but controversy has already taken centre stage. The opening fixture between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers has sparked a major debate among supporters, with some fans calling for a change to the rules surrounding penalty kicks.

The new Championship campaign officially got underway on Friday evening, with Wolves hosting Blackburn at Molineux. Having been relegated from the Premier League last season, Wolves entered the contest with plenty of pressure on their shoulders. Many supporters expect the club to challenge immediately for promotion back to the top flight.

However, their opening night did not go according to plan.

Wolves initially appeared to be heading towards defeat after taking the lead through Marshall Munetsi. Blackburn responded impressively, with defender Sean McLoughlin and striker Andri Gudjohnsen both finding the net to put the visitors in front.

The home side were eventually handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time when Ryan Alebiosu was penalised for handball inside the area. Substitute Raul Jimenez was given responsibility from the spot and calmly converted the penalty to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw.

While Wolves supporters were undoubtedly relieved to avoid defeat, the manner in which Jimenez took the penalty has caused frustration among fans from across the Championship.

Jimenez penalty sparks major debate

Jimenez opted for a stuttering run-up before striking the ball, a technique increasingly used by penalty takers to unsettle goalkeepers.

However, some supporters believe the Wolves striker went beyond what should be considered acceptable. With goalkeepers required to remain on their line until the ball is kicked, fans argued that attackers should face greater restrictions over how they approach penalties.

The Mexican’s run-up featured several pauses and changes of rhythm, making it difficult for Blackburn goalkeeper Balazs Toth to anticipate when the actual shot would be taken.

One supporter questioned the legality of the technique on social media, asking how such a run-up could be permitted under the current rules.

Another fan argued that if goalkeepers are being restricted from moving forward from their goal line, penalty takers should also face limitations when attempting to deceive them.

Other reactions were more humorous, with one supporter joking that Jimenez could receive a call from Strictly Come Dancing after producing multiple stutters during his approach.

Another fan criticised the sport’s governing bodies for introducing several new regulations while failing to address what they considered increasingly excessive penalty techniques.

The debate highlights a growing frustration among some football supporters over the balance between advantage for penalty takers and protection for goalkeepers.

Jimenez makes emotional Wolves return

Despite the controversy surrounding his penalty, the moment was significant for Jimenez personally.

The goal marked his first since returning to Wolves after agreeing a two-year contract with the club, which also includes an option for an additional season.

The experienced forward returned to Molineux as a free agent after leaving Fulham and received a warm reception from supporters who remembered his first spell at the club.

Before the match, Jimenez and his wife reportedly handed out 5,000 black scarves to supporters. The scarves carried the words “SI SENOR”, a reference to the famous chant associated with the striker during his previous spell in the West Midlands.

Jimenez originally joined Wolves from Benfica in 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most important players.

During his first spell between 2018 and 2023, he made 166 appearances and scored 57 goals. His return has therefore generated considerable excitement among Wolves supporters hoping he can help fire the club back into the Premier League.

Another experienced addition, former Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier, also made his Wolves debut against Blackburn.

The 35-year-old signed a two-year deal with the club and played 68 minutes before being replaced by Jackson Tchatchoua.

Championship promotion race already taking shape

The opening result has done little to reduce expectations surrounding Wolves, but the early Championship landscape is already attracting plenty of attention.

A supercomputer prediction has suggested that the promotion battle could be particularly competitive throughout the 2026/27 campaign.

West Ham United, one of the clubs relegated from the Premier League last season, have been predicted to finish top of the Championship with 94 points under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Middlesbrough, who reached last season’s play-off final, are projected to finish second on 86 points and secure automatic promotion.

Birmingham City are predicted to finish third with 82 points and complete their return to the Premier League through the play-offs.

Southampton are projected to finish fourth on 79 points, while Wolves are tipped to occupy fifth place with 77 points.

Sheffield United are predicted to claim the final play-off position with 74 points, narrowly finishing ahead of Wrexham, who are forecast to collect 72 points.

The projected play-off semi-finals would see Sheffield United face Birmingham City, while Southampton would meet Wolves.

The prediction has Birmingham reaching the final and eventually beating Southampton 2-1 after extra time, ending their 16-year absence from the Premier League.

Relegation battle could be equally dramatic

At the opposite end of the table, the predicted relegation battle is also expected to be intense.

Two of the three promoted teams, Bolton Wanderers and Lincoln City, are forecast to return immediately to League One.

Queens Park Rangers are also predicted to suffer relegation, while Charlton Athletic are tipped to survive by finishing just above the bottom three.

The projected table suggests that only a handful of points could separate several clubs competing to avoid the drop.

Golden Boot race could produce another surprise

The prediction also identifies several forwards expected to challenge for the Championship Golden Boot.

Southampton striker Cyle Larin is backed to lead the scoring charts with 25 goals.

Middlesbrough’s Will Lankshear is projected to finish second with 23, while West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen is expected to score 21.

Jimenez is predicted to finish among the leading scorers with 20 goals, followed by Middlesbrough’s David Strelec with 18 and Wolves forward Mateus Mané with 17.

Wrexham striker Sam Smith is forecast to score 16, while Southampton’s Ross Stewart is expected to register 15.

Morgan Whittaker and Jimmy-Jay Morgan are both predicted to finish on 14 goals.

The full predicted Championship standings have West Ham top on 94 points, followed by Middlesbrough on 86 and Birmingham on 82. Southampton, Wolves and Sheffield United complete the projected top six, with Wrexham narrowly missing out.

For now, however, the biggest talking point from the opening weekend is not the promotion race or relegation battle. It is Jimenez’s controversial penalty technique.

With dozens more penalties likely to be awarded during the Championship season, supporters will be watching closely to see whether similar stuttering run-ups continue to cause arguments — or whether the EFL eventually considers changing the rules.