EFL rules out expanded play-offs that would have included Doncaster Rovers

It had been suggested that the play-offs could be expanded to include more than the traditional four teams, should the regular season not be concluded on the pitch.

That would have involved eight or ten teams, and would have included Doncaster Rovers.

The EFL board remain fully in favour of completing the season on the pitch but state they understand the stance of some clubs who believe this not to be financially feasible.

The board also stated that, should the remaining fixtures not be played, it is not looking to change the usual methods to determine promotion and relegation from its divisions, specifically stating the play-offs in each would remain at four teams.

A draft framework has been issued to all EFL clubs, addressing plans of how seasons would be resolved should clubs vote to end the season at its current point. This framework would require the support of clubs as it would involve changes to the league regulations.

The board have stated they are only looking for a deciding vote of 51 per cent in each division in relation to whether to curtail the season.

Comments will be taken by clubs up to the end of business on Tuesday with the formal voting period set to begin afterwards and potentially last five days.

The recommended framework in the event of the season being cancelled states:

Final placings in each division will be determined on a straight points per game system, should all teams have not played the same number of matches.

Promotion and relegation should be retained

Play-offs should be played ‘in all circumstances’ but not be extended

Should it not be possible for play-offs to be played, the EFL board will determine the appropriate resolution.

EFL chairman Rick Parry said: “In the event 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.

“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 needed for the good of the league and its members.”

League Two clubs have already voted to end their season at the current point but will now be asked to agree to the proposed methods of deciding promotion and relegation.

The vast majority of clubs in the fourth tier had requested that relegation to the National League not take place this season, but such a motion appears to have been rejected by the EFL.

The statement included: “The principle of relegation across all three divisions is integral to the integrity of the pyramid, from the Premier League down to the National League, provided we have assurances that the National League will start Season 2020/21 (i.e. the relegated Club in League Two has somewhere to play).

“Any regulatory solution should be relevant and specific to the current challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak and reach a conclusion that is clear and effective with the impact and justifications easy for all stakeholders to understand.”

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