How League One's extended eight-team play-off could work - and who Sunderland would play if the idea is approved

Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has publicly voiced his support for the plans, which were put forward by Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony at a meeting of third tier clubs on Friday.

But how would this format work were it adopted, and what do we know so far about these plans?

We take a look:

HOW WOULD THE LEAGUE TABLE BE DECIDED?

As per the EFL frameworks issued on Friday evening, the final League One table would be decided on an unweighted points-per-game basis.

This is the league’s preferred method for deciding leagues which cannot be played to their completion.

WOULD THERE STILL BE AUTOMATIC PROMOTION?

Yes.

Under these plans, the top two in the League One points-per-game table would be promoted automatically.

That would see Coventry City and Rotherham United promoted.

WHAT EXACTLY IS BEING PROPOSED FOR THE PLAY-OFFS?

The idea floated by MacAnthony would see an extended play-off tournament decide the third and final promotion spot.

It would see more than the traditional four clubs battle it out in a knockout competition - giving clubs in promotion contention the chance to have their fate decided on the pitch, without the logistical and financial complications that would accompany completing the entire remaining fixture programme.

WHO WOULD TAKE PART IN THE PLAY-OFFS?

It has been suggested that eight teams would take part in the expanded play-off competition - i.e. those who would sit from third to tenth in the League One table after a points-per-game formula is applied.

That would mean the following teams would take part: Wycombe Wanderers, Oxford United, Portsmouth, Peterborough United, Sunderland, Doncaster Rovers and Gillingham.

HOW WOULD THE PLAY-OFF COMPETITION BE STRUCTURED?

Given this proposal is still in its infancy, there are little in the way of precise details.

But it is understood that teams would play a quarter-final, semi-final and then a final in a bid to seal promotion. It remains unclear when these will one or two-legged affairs.

One possible way teams will see their opponents determined is on a similar basis to how the current play-offs operate - e.g. the team in third would play the team in tenth, the team in fourth would play the team in ninth, and so on.

Hypothetically speaking, that would see Sunderland play Portsmouth in a quarter-final.

But again, this is not set in stone – and could yet change as the proposal is tweaked.

WILL THIS COMPETITION DEFINITELY HAPPEN?

No.

This is only one possible solution being discussed and by no means is guaranteed to be implemented.

And even were it to progress to a point where it could be approved, more than 50% of League One clubs would have to vote in favour of the League One play-offs being extended.

WHEN WILL WE KNOW MORE?

League One clubs are set to meet again on Monday, at which point we may discover whether this proposal is deemed a serious option.