Sunderland's rivals put forward this alternative proposal for settling the final League One table after curtailment

Having outlined their proposed framework in a statement last week, the EFL are today gathering to consider feedback from clubs.

They are then expected to send a finalised version of their framework to clubs, who will then have time to reflect before casting a vote.

If a majority of clubs across the three divisions and also within the Championship vote for the framework, then League One clubs will be able to make a decision on the resumptuion or curtailment of their season.

Tranmere Rovers fiercely oppose the EFL’s proposed framework as settling the third-tier table on a points-per-game formula will see them relegated.

This is despite the fact that they are just three points from safety with a game in hand, and won their last three games before fixtures were postponed.

As such, they are proposing that a ‘margin of error’ is applied, which they have calculated by comparing the final league table of seasons past with the table at this stage of the campaign.

They have pointed out that if the PPG formula had been applied this time last season, four teams would have been relegated, of which three eventually went on to secure safety.

Their proposal would also see the margin of error applied to the play-off positions, where Peterborough United and Sunderland will miss out under the proposed PPG formula.

A Tranmere Rovers statement reads:

“Tranmere Rovers is requesting the EFL Board to put a proposal forward for EFL Clubs to vote on. We recognise that the proposal may need some additional work around the detail.

“In our view that is something which should be done in collaboration with clubs. This would be routine stake-holder management and we see no reason why it would need to be a time-consuming exercise.

“If a decision is taken by a division to end their season now (or indeed at some point in the future but before all of the fixtures are completed):a) The league table is calculated using a simple PPG basis;

b) There is then applied to the table the statistical average actual margin for error over the last 3 years (being +6.3 or – 5.45%);

c) Teams in the automatic promotion spots even where the margin for error is applied, should be automatically promoted;

d) Teams in the play-off places or who could be in the play-off places where the margin for error is applied should be invited (but not compelled) to compete in a play-off tournament;

and

e) There would either be no relegations, or relegations only of clubs who would be relegated even after the margin of error has been applied.”

Despite Tranmere’s intervention, it is widely expected that the EFL’s proposals will pass in their original form.

Though Sunderland are eager to resume, it is expected that they will face a third season in League One, which could be confirmed as early as next week.