The EFL says resuming the 2019/20 season in its existing format ‘remains the most appropriate course of action’ and insists promotion and relegation will be adhered to in all three divisions.

The EFL Board met on Wednesday to consider the feedback and subsequent implications of last week’s divisional club meetings and outlined six recommendations having reviewed the proposals, and counter proposals, of its member clubs.

League Two clubs have already indicated their intention to curtail its season, though the proposal of vetoing relegation has been knocked back by the league.

Championship clubs are set to return to training on Monday with a view to resuming and complete the remaining 108 fixtures of the regular season.

If clubs in League One and League Two are to curtail their season, then it will require a 51 per cent majority voting in favour.

EFL Chair, Rick Parry, said: “In the event that a divisional decision is made to curtail the 2019/20 season, the EFL Board is recommending that the League adopts the original framework with the amendments as identified, as there is a strong desire to remain as faithful as possible to the Regulations and ensure there is consistency in the approach adopted across the EFL in all divisions.

 “The board has always acknowledged that a single solution to satisfy all clubs would always be hard to find, but we are at the point now where strong, definitive action is need for the good of the League and its members.”

Outlining its recommended framework, which clubs will now be given time to consider, the EFL said:

 

1. Resuming the 2019/20 season with the existing format remains the most appropriate course of action from a sporting integrity perspective, but the board accepts there are circumstances that may lead to curtailment (as has been demonstrated with League Two) or a situation subsequently transpires whereby the season is unable to conclude. 

 

2. This means that, in the event of an early curtailment: 

 a. Final divisional placings should be determined on unweighted points per game (if required).

b. Promotion and relegation should be retained.

c. Play-Offs should be played in all circumstances but should not be extended (beyond four teams). 

 

3. If a scenario arises whereby the play-oOffs cannot be played, the EFL board will determine the appropriate course of action.

 

4. The board considers that the majority required to curtail the 2019/20 season in any division should be 51 per cent. Determining whether or not to curtail the season is a decision for each division to take. 

 

5. The principle of relegation across all three divisions is integral to the integrity of the pyramid, from the Premier League down to the National League, provided we have assurances that the National League will start season 2020/21 (i.e. the relegated club in League Two has somewhere to play).

 

6. Any regulatory solution should be relevant and specific to the current challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak and reach a conclusion that is clear and effective with the impact and justifications easy for all stakeholders to understand.