Hold-up in EFL vote leaves Rotherham United waiting longer over promotion verdict

The governing body had originally planned to conduct a three-division poll of Championship, League One and League Two clubs on Monday June 1 in the hope of reaching an agreement that an unweighted points-per-game calculation can be adopted as a way of settling promotion and relegation issues in shorted seasons.

After a board meeting on Wednesday, though, the EFL has put back the proposed voting date by a week to Monday June 8.

If clubs agree to accept the proposals, League One teams will then vote at an unspecified time on whether to end this coronavirus-hit campaign.

A decision to stop playing would see the second-placed Millers go up to the Championship along with leaders Coventry City.

Rotherham manager Paul Warne believes the EFL’s 71 clubs will be united in approving PPG being added to the rulebook.

“I can’t see it not going through,” he said. “I don’t see anyone taking massive umbrage to that being the way to decide an uncompleted season in the future if there was to be a worldwide epidemic again.”

An EFL statement this morning said: "At its meeting on Wednesday, having carefully considered submissions from clubs, the EFL board agreed to progress with the proposed framework it outlined on Thursday May 21 in respect of changes to EFL regulations in the event season 2019/20 is curtailed in any EFL division.

"At the same time as advising on its proposed approach last week, the board had asked clubs to give it appropriate consideration and provide any feedback. Communications were submitted from clubs across all divisions and those proposals, some of which have been made available publicly, suggested how the framework in the event the season is ended prematurely could alternatively work.

"The board has to date been consistent in its approach that playing out the remainder of season 2019/20 when it is safe to do so, is the preferred position. Whilst the Championship have advised of their intentions to resume fixtures, League Two clubs have indicated their preference to curtail the season. At present, clubs in League One are still undecided.  

"A decision on whether or not to curtail the season is a matter to be considered by clubs in any affected division, but only once a framework for resolving open issues in such circumstances has been agreed by all members across all divisions through a regulation change. 

"After a full and comprehensive review of the club submissions, alongside consideration of views stated at the club meetings of May 13 and 15, the board unanimously agreed to continue with the original approach and is now proposing to call a meeting of clubs on Monday June 8 to consider and, if thought fit, approve the proposals to introduce the regulation change.

"The EFL articles allow member clubs the opportunity to propose amendments to regulations and should any club wish to propose an alternative it must do so by submitting such a proposal by no later than 2pm on Tuesday June 2.

"The EFL will issue any notice of meeting later that day. Any such club proposals will be considered at the same meeting as the board’s proposal."