League One chief threatens to QUIT football if Sunderland's 2019/20 season is not completed

The Posh chairman – whose side remain in promotion contention alongside Sunderland – has been vocal in his belief that the campaign should be played to a finish as soon as it is safe to do so.

But as calls grow louder for the EFL to follow the example of other European nations and prematurely end the 2019/20 season, MacAnthony says he will ‘continue to fight’ to see the League One fixture programme completed.

And he has threatened to sell his stake in Peterborough if the season is not completed – believing he would need a mental break from the game.

“I’m still thinking positively,” MacAnthony said, speaking on his ‘Hard Truth’ podcast.

“And whatever the EFL eventually decide we will, as a club, abide by as we are a member of that organisation.

“As things stand we are still preparing for a return to training in a couple of weeks. If we are told we can’t play then we will abide by that as well, but we’d need a very good reason.

“If the season is voided or prolonged for an unreasonable amount of time I will ask my partners to buy me out. I’d need a break mentally. I’d take a two-year hiatus at least to see if I can fall back in love with the game.

“I’ve put my life into football for 15 years. I’m not in this for money. I’ve never made any money from football and I never will. I’m in the game because I’m passionate about it and I love it.

“If it’s taken away from me and from the thousands of fans who love the game then I’m done. I couldn’t live with that or abide by it.

“I’m sorry if that upsets people. I’ve never been a white flag waver. I’m not buying into these ‘insurmountable roadblocks’ others are putting up to stop us playing.

“I’m going to fight to the bitter end on this. I’ve felt like a lone wolf at times on this subject and I will continue to fight.”