Rotherham United on the brink of promotion after EFL vote

EFL clubs today voted to change the regulations to make unweighted points per game (or PPG) the solution for curtailed seasons now and in the future.

It means on this season's results Rotherham retain the second automatic promotion spot in League One behind leaders Coventry City which they occupied before the season was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

A vote among the bottom two divisions on whether to end the season is expected to take place this afternoon, with a 51 per cent majority in each required. The result is expected around 3pm.

Millers chairman Tony Stewart told the Advertiser last week that he expects 15 League One clubs will vote not to play on. If realised, that would confirm the Millers' return to the Championship after only a year away.

Today's EFL statement says: "At an Extraordinary General Meeting today EFL Clubs voted on proposals in respect of changes to EFL Regulations in the event season 2019/20 is curtailed.

"Proposals were submitted by Barnsley and Tranmere Rovers alongside amendments to an EFL Board proposal which were put forward by Lincoln City, Stevenage and Ipswich Town.

"Following a vote on each by all 71 Clubs, it was overwhelmingly agreed (by a majority of all Clubs and a majority in the Championship) to adopt the EFL Board’s proposal into EFL Regulations, which now means the following applies in the event a division curtails its 2019/20 season or it is ended by any other means.

"Final divisional placings will be determined on unweighted points per game (if required).

"Play-Offs will be played in all circumstances but will not be extended (beyond four teams). 

"Clubs in Leagues One and Two will now meet by division later today to formally determine whether to resume playing the 2019/20 season or opt for curtailment. The Championship Clubs restart their season on 20 June."

EFL Chair, Rick Parry added: “Whilst it has always remained the Board’s position to play the remainder of the season where possible, the decision reached at today’s meeting follows a full and considered consultation period with our member Clubs. The Board has endeavoured to listen to all views and alternative approaches but understands that the decisions taken will not be met with universal satisfaction from all Clubs.

“Today’s outcome ensures that the League and its Clubs remains as faithful as possible to the previously agreed Regulations and that there is consistency in the approach adopted across the EFL in all divisions if required.

“It is clear that the challenges facing the League from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented and I thank the contribution of EFL Clubs in making this important determination.”