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EFL reject League Two proposal to suspend relegation

The EFL have rejected the will of League Two clubs to suspend relegation, as Walsall's campaign nears an end.

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Last week, all 24 fourth tier sides agreed that they wished to call time on the current season due to the financial pressures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The clubs agreed to the EFL's 'framework' that the league table would be finalised using an unweighted points-per-game system and that automatic promotion and the play-offs would be played.

However, the clubs asked for relegation to the National League to be suspended with Stevenage currently three points clear at the bottom but with a game in hand over Macclesfield.

Now, the EFL have finalised a draft framework to be adopted into the governing bodies' regulations if the clubs formally vote to end the season early – but they have insisted that relegation must be upheld.

This means that Stevenage will be the only team relegated, unless further action is taken on Macclesfield, who have been docked several points this season for failing to play matches and pay players.

Walsall are currently 14th in the division but would finish 12th under proposals.

The top three teams will all be promoted, alongside the winning team from the play-offs – which is not to be extended past four teams.

The EFL have also determined that a 51 per cent majority is needed from a vote for a season to be officially curtailed.

All 24 League Two clubs will now consider the EFL framework before it is formally proposed by the board and then voted on by the clubs.

A majority of clubs from across the EFL – as well as a majority within the Championship – need to vote for the proposal before clubs within each league can vote on what they do.

“In the event that a divisional decision is made to curtail the 2019/20 season, the EFL board is recommending that the league adopts the original framework with the amendments as identified, as there is a strong desire to remain as faithful as possible to the regulations and ensure there is consistency in the approach adopted across the EFL in all divisions," EFL chairman Rick Parry said.

“The board has always acknowledged that a single solution to satisfy all clubs would always be hard to find, but we are at the point now where strong, definitive action is need for the good of the league and its members."