Everything Sunderland fans need to know about the EFL vote set to rule on League One promotion

Sunderland are set to discover their fate at a meeting of EFL clubs tomorrow [Tuesday, June 9] – and here’s everything you need to know about the crucial summit.
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All 71 EFL clubs will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday with a host of key issues – including the fate of the 2019/20 season – set to be decided via a crucial vote.

And ahead of the meeting, here’s everything Sunderland supporters need to know:

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WHEN WILL THE VOTE TAKE PLACE AND WHO WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE?

Sunderland's promotion hopes could be ended at a meeting tomorrow, where EFL clubs are set to vote on a number of proposalsSunderland's promotion hopes could be ended at a meeting tomorrow, where EFL clubs are set to vote on a number of proposals
Sunderland's promotion hopes could be ended at a meeting tomorrow, where EFL clubs are set to vote on a number of proposals

The meeting and subsequent will take place over a virtual platform, and will begin at 10:30am on Tuesday, June 9.

EFL chair Rick Parry is set to lead the conversation, with representatives from each EFL club offered the chance to attend. For Sunderland, that is likely to be chief executive Jim Rodwell.

However, a number of clubs are not expected to join the meeting and will instead vote via proxy.

WHAT WILL CLUBS BE VOTING ON?

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There could be as many as three rounds of voting taking place on Tuesday, with EFL clubs set to vote on a string of proposals and amendments.

Here’s each round explained in detail:

Vote 1

The first vote will see clubs decide the framework upon which seasons will be decided if they are curtailed.

Here, clubs will vote on the EFL’s own proposal which would see standings, plus promotion and relegation, decided on an unweighted points-per-game basis. The play-offs in each division will take place as usual and should not be extended.

Vote 2

Once the proposal mentioned above is passed, as is widely expected, clubs can then vote on a number of potential amendments to the chosen framework. These are:

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- The Barnsley Proposal – No club should be relegated in a division that fails to fulfill its fixtures.

- The Tranmere Proposal – Tables will be decided on unweighted points-per-game but with a ‘margin for error’ formula applied. Clubs will then be given a ‘Final Points Range’ which would determine whether they are promoted, relegated or take part in an extended play-off competition.

- The Lincoln City amendment – Any points deductions awarded to clubs will be deducted after the points-per-game calculation is made, rather than applied as part of the calculation.

- The Stevenage amendment – No club should be relegated from League Two if clubs opt to curtail the fourth tier season.

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- The Ipswich amendment – Should the League One season be ended, clubs should be able to vote on alternative play-off options.

Vote 3

After a framework is established for finishing the season, individual leagues can hold a vote to determine whether their seasons are curtailed or continued.

In League One, it is widely expected that the season will be finished.

This vote may take place on Tuesday, but could take place later in the week if clubs wish to take stock of the finalised framework before casting their vote.

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League Two, of course, have already voted to curtail their season while the Championship are preparing for a June 20 restart.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF CLUBS NEED TO VOTE FOR A PROPOSAL TO BE PASSED?

A majority of clubs (51 per cent) will need to vote for any one proposal for it to be passed.

In addition, a majority of Championship clubs will also need to agree to any framework for it to be incorporated into the EFL rules.

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In terms of individual divisions, the EFL state that at least 51 per cent of clubs must vote for a season to be curtailed in order for play to be halted. It’s worth noting that, unlike the vote on the EFL framework, the decision to end the third tier is down to the 23 clubs in that division alone – the Championship clubs do not receive a veto as they do with other votes.

HOW ARE SUNDERLAND EXPECTED TO VOTE?

Sunderland are expected to back any proposal that gives them a chance of securing promotion – either via play continuing or the play-offs being extended.

The vast majority of third tier clubs are thought to be against the season continuing, however.

WHEN WILL A CONCRETE DECISION BE ANNOUNCED?

Many expect it will be Wednesday – when the EFL Board traditionally meet – that the approved framework will be confirmed.

But clubs will know their fates immediately after the three rounds of voting are complete, offering some much-needed clarity ahead of the 2020/21 season.