EFL provide a key update on the League One season and reveal the framework that could end Sunderland's promotion hopes

All 23 third tier clubs held a conference call this morning as they bid to work towards a decision on whether the current campaign will be played to completion.

While reports early in the week suggested that clubs were swaying towards ending the season prematurely, a number of sides – including Sunderland – have indicated their desire to play on.

And the EFL have now confirmed that a decision is yet to be taken by League One clubs, with further talks scheduled for next Monday.

League Two clubs, however, have called time on their season after similar talks today. This decision still needs to be ratified by the EFL Board and FA, however.

As a result, the EFL have provided a framework outlining how leagues which cannot be played to a completion will be decided.

It will see divisions decided on an unweighted points-per-game basis, with the play-off competition remaining.

Should the framework be applied to League One, it would see Sunderland fall outside the top. Therefore, the Black Cats’ only hope of promotion is if the season is played to a completion.

The full EFL statement read: “Representatives of League One and League Two Clubs have met today by division where they have shared a wide range of comprehensive views in respect of how the 2019/20 season is concluded.

“The rationale for playing the remaining matches has been fully debated with a particular focus on the issues COVID-19 has created in respect of health and wellbeing, ongoing testing requirements, player registration issues and the financial burdens Clubs already face at this difficult time.

“In the event of a curtailment of the season, the EFL Board outlined how this could be addressed through a framework that includes maintaining the principle of promotion and relegation, league tables to be determined via unweighted points per game (PPG) and Play-Offs to remain in every division to determine the final promotion place.

“The EFL Board, whose aspiration has always been to conclude the 2019/20 season by completing the remaining fixtures, has previously stated that any decision on how to conclude the season is a matter for Clubs to determine in their respective divisions.

“There were varied views shared in League One and it was determined that there would be a further period of reflection and consultation to understand what creative solutions could be implemented.

“It was acknowledged that the need to find innovative and creative solutions was of paramount importance as was the need for decisions to be taken quickly.”

Sunderland remain committed to completing the season, with chief executive Jim Rodwell offering an update on Thursday evening.

“We face various challenges to complete the season, but we feel we owe it to our supporters and players, and the game, to ensure our remaining fixtures are fulfilled,” Rodwell said.

“League tables are decided by what happens on the pitch, not in a meeting room.

“Together, we know that we can overcome those challenges and when it is safe to do so, end the campaign the right way. “