Western Morning News (Saturday)
Waiting game for Argyle and City
PLYMOUTH Argyle and Exeter City will have to wait until at least Monday, June 8 to have their final placings in League Two confirmed.
That is the date the EFL has set for a a meeting of clubs across all three divisions.
League Two clubs have already indicated that they want to end the 2019/20 campaign, which was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic,
Clubs in the Championship want to resume the season, while League One are ‘still undecided’.
The EFL Board has agreed to progress with a framework in respect of changes to their regulations in the event that the 2019/20 season is curtailed in any division.
In the case of League Two, that would see Argyle promoted, along with Swindon Town and Crewe Alexandra, on an unweighted points-pergame basis.
Cheltenham Town, Exeter City, Colchester United and Northampton Town would contest the play-offs for the remaining promotion spot.
The EFL statement said: “At its meeting on Wednesday, May 27, having carefully considered submissions from clubs, the EFL board agreed to progress with the proposed framework... in respect of changes to EFL Regulations in the event season 2019/20 is curtailed in any 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... the board unanimously agreed to continue with the original approach and is now proposing to call a meeting of clubs on Monday, June 8 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, June 2. 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.”