EFL ratify decision to end season and keep play-offs

Clubs in the English Football League have 'overwhelmingly' voted to adopt the EFL's framework on ending the 2019/20 season, which paves the way for the League Two play-offs to go ahead.

The framework will see tables decided by an unweighted points-per-game method with promotion, relegation and the play-offs to be retained as usual.

League Two clubs will now meet this afternoon for a final vote, which should officially confirm Cobblers' play-off place.

The EFL said: "At an Extraordinary General Meeting on Tuesday 9 June, EFL clubs voted on proposals in respect of changes to EFL regulations in the event season 2019/20 is curtailed.

"Proposals were submitted by Barnsley and Tranmere Rovers alongside amendments to an EFL Board proposal which were put forward by Lincoln City, Stevenage and Ipswich Town.

"Following a vote on each by all 71 clubs, it was overwhelmingly agreed (by a majority of all clubs and a majority in the Championship) to adopt the EFL Board’s proposal into EFL Regulations, which now means the following applies in the event a division curtails its 2019/20 season or it is ended by any other means.

1. Final divisional placings will be determined on unweighted points per game (if required).

2. Promotion and relegation should be retained.

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

"Clubs in Leagues One and Two will now meet by division later today to formally determine whether to resume playing the 2019/20 season or opt for curtailment. The Championship Clubs restart their season on 20 June."

EFL chairman Rick Parry said: “Whilst it has always remained the Board’s position to play the remainder of the season where possible, the decision reached at today’s meeting follows a full and considered consultation period with our member clubs.

"The Board has endeavoured to listen to all views and alternative approaches but understands that the decisions taken will not be met with universal satisfaction from all clubs.

“Today’s outcome ensures that the League and its clubs remains as faithful as possible to the previously agreed regulations and that there is consistency in the approach adopted across the EFL in all divisions if required.

“It is clear that the challenges facing the League from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented and I thank the contribution of EFL clubs in making this important determination.”