Clubs in the lower divisions of the English Football League (EFL) will still be promoted or relegated if the 2019-20 season is curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the EFL said on Thursday.
The EFL board said they had finalised a draft framework that would be adopted into its regulations in the event of a division ending their season, saying a 51% majority is required to curtail the season in any division.
League Two (fourth-tier) clubs in England unanimously voted to end their season last week while League One (third-tier) clubs failed to reach an agreement over ending their season.
Championship (second-tier) clubs will vote this week on how to conclude the season.
“Resuming the 2019-20 season with the existing format remains the most appropriate course of action from a sporting integrity perspective,” the EFL said in a statement
“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.”
The EFL said the final standings would be decided by an “unweighted points per game” formula if required with promotion and relegation between divisions being retained.
