SAFC’s waiting game continues
Sunderland are set for yet another week of uncertainty, after the EFL announced that its proposed framework will not be voted on until June 8th.
After considering feedback from clubs, including an alternative model proposed by Tranmere Rovers, the EFL board has said that it plans to stick to its framework.
If approved, it means any division that votes with a 51% majority can curtail their season, with all key issues settled on a points-per-game formula.
Approving the framework would then allow that vote on curtailment to progress.
A number of key League One figures, including Ipswich Town boss Paul Lambert and Blackpool CEO Ben Mansford, have called for a swift decision to be made.
Portsmouth CEO Mark Cat lin has also expressed his concern that the impasse means that even if the vote to resume is won, there will not be time to conclude the season before Rick Parry’s stated deadline of July 31st.
Parry has previously informed clubs that 56 days are needed to conclude the campaign.
The EFL statement reads: “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.
“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 and whilst the Championship have advised of their intentions to resume fixtures, League Two Clubs have indicated their preference to curtail the season. 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 2pm 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.”