Parry sets out ‘definitive action’ to end EFL season

THE Football League has told members promotion and relegation will be enforced across all three divisions and set out the parameters by which clubs can decide whether to play on or end their seasons now.

The EFL board stated the decision to curtail each division requires a 51 per cent majority from clubs. In the event of any curtailment, the play-offs should be played but not extended beyond the regular four teams. With the costs of playing behind closed doors considered prohibitive, League Two teams last week voted unanimously to curtail their season and decide the table on an unweighted points-per-game basis but had also expressed a desire not to relegate anyone into the National League.

The Championship is expected to play on, with players due to return to training next week, but League One appears to be split with no consensus reached on which direction to take at a series of meetings. Yesterday’s ruling only a 51 per cent majority is needed to pass a motion is likely to ensure the season is wrapped up and placings decided on points-per-game.

EFL chairman Rick Parry (pictured) said: ‘The board has always acknowledged 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 needed for the good of the league and its members.’

Determination to play on in League One has centred around clubs just outside the play-off zone but Tranmere vice-chairman Nicola Palios, whose side will be relegated if they do not play again, also protested against yesterday’s ruling.

‘It would be devastatingly harsh for @TranmereRovers to be relegated on PPG when it is such a marginal call,’ Palios tweeted.

‘We have a game in hand and are 3 points behind. We were on a great run of form (WWW) having made the investment in Jan to ensure our safety.’