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A vote on how to end the 2019/20 season in League 1 won’t now take place until at least June 8.
Clubs are undecided in the division about which way to progress, whether to curtail the current campaign or to press ahead and try and see out the remaining games.
The EFL remain keen on trying to finish the season when it is safe to do so but have a framework in place should clubs decide the season is to be curtailed. They are keen for promotion and relegation to remain with the league table decided on points per game average.
Clubs must vote through the EFL’s proposed framework and if approved the decision on whether to end the season will be down to those votes from the clubs in League 1. A 51% majority is needed to decide on the outcome of the division and it’s looking like more clubs are in favour of ending the season now.
A statement released by the EFL on Friday said: “At its meeting on Wednesday 27 May 2020, having carefully considered submissions from clubs, the EFL board agreed to progress with the proposed framework it outlined on Thursday 21 May 2020 in respect of changes to EFL Regulations in the event Season 2019/20 is curtailed in any EFL Division.
"At the same time as advising on its proposed approach last week, the board had asked clubs to give it appropriate consideration and provide any feedback. Communications were submitted from clubs across all divisions and those proposals, some of which have been made available publicly, suggested how the framework in the event the season is ended prematurely could alternatively work.”
One proposal came from Tranmere Rovers. They are hoping to play on or take part in a play-off as ending the season and deciding places on points per game would see them relegated.
In contrast, top sides Coventry City and Rotherham United want the season ended now. In doing so, under the EFL’s framework, they would both be promoted.
The Gills would finish 10th on PPG. Boss Steve Evans wants to play on as his team have an outside chance of making the play-offs. It would be Gills’ only chance of promotion as an extended play-off, should the season be ended now, has been ruled out.
Evans has said he will accept any decision that comes their way but the wait goes on. He's ready to either start training or to prepare his squad for a new campaign.
The statement from the EFL continued: “The Board has to date been consistent in its approach that playing out the remainder of season 2019/20 when it is safe to do so, is the preferred position.
“At present clubs in League One are still undecided.
“A decision on whether or not to curtail the season is a matter to be considered by clubs in any affected division, but only once a framework for resolving open issues in such circumstances has been agreed by all members across all divisions through a regulation change.
“After a full and comprehensive review of the club submissions, alongside consideration of views stated at the club meetings of 13 and 15 May 2020, the board unanimously agreed to continue with the original approach and is now proposing to call a meeting of clubs on Monday, 8 June 2020 to consider and, if thought fit, approve the proposals to introduce the regulation change.
“The EFL articles allow member clubs the opportunity to propose amendments to regulations and should any club wish to propose an alternative, it must do so by submitting such a proposal by no later than 2.00pm on Tuesday 2 June 2020.
“The EFL will issue any notice of meeting later that day. Any such club proposals will be considered at the same meeting as the board’s proposal.”
