EFL confirm Sunderland will be able to vote on 'alternative proposals' and finally set date for crunch meeting

Sunderland will be handed the chance to vote on a series of alternative proposals for settling the League One table following a consultation period between the EFL and clubs.
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The EFL board met today and have now confirmed that next Tuesday will be the day on which the key issues will be decided.

The EFL had initially proposed to clubs that in the event of a curtailment, tables would be settled on a points-per-game basis.

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The principles of promotion and relegation would be kept in place, while the play-off places would remain at four teams.

The League One campaign should finally be settled next TuesdayThe League One campaign should finally be settled next Tuesday
The League One campaign should finally be settled next Tuesday

A number of clubs subsequently put forward alternatives.

Once the framework is agreed, clubs can then vote within their individual divisions whether to play on or curtail.

One of the proposals on the table will be the suggestion from Tranmere Rovers, that if voted through, would see Sunderland handed the chance to compete in an extended play-off campaign.

Given the widespread opposition throughout the division, removing relegation from League Two is also likely to be considered.

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Any changes need to be supported by over 50% of clubs throughout the three divisions, as well as by a majority within the Championship.

An EFL statement reads: “The EFL Board met today and considered a number of proposals submitted by EFL Clubs in respect of proposed amendments to EFL Regulations in order to determine what will happen in the event the 2019/20 season is curtailed in any EFL Division.

“This now brings an end to a comprehensive consultation phase and Clubs have today received formal notice of the meeting which will now take place on Tuesday 9 June 2020.

“At that meeting Clubs will consider a number of different proposals from both Clubs and the Board of the EFL.”

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There remains significant doubt as to whether Tranmere’s plan will receive enough support, with Portsmouth CEO Mark Catlin already stating that his club would vote against it.

“I genuinely believe that, for the greater good of football, we should do all that we can to play – as long as it is safe to do so,” Catlin told the Portsmouth News.

“That is what we do, we are a football club.‘From speaking to clubs and owners, I think a lot of people will have already made their minds up.

“Why would I be pushing for an enlarged play-off? I couldn’t see myself voting for a scenario which doesn't at least give Pompey the one in four opportunity for promotion, which is currently on the table.

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“Our first choice is to finish the season. The second choice is the league’s proposal under an unweighted points per game basis which will see us end up in the play-offs.

“That gives us a one in four chance of going up. Why would I vote for anything that is a one in six or one in 10 chance? It wouldn't make any sense.”