EFL insists relegation is a must following League Two clubs' decision last week

The EFL has maintained that relegation is an 'integral' part of the footballing pyramid.
EFL chairman Rick ParryEFL chairman Rick Parry
EFL chairman Rick Parry

Their view comes a week after League Two clubs voted to end the 2019/20 season early but without relegation into the National League.

In a statement, the EFL board has proposed a draft framework to be adopted into the organisation's regulations should the decision be taken to curtail campaigns in future.

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Clubs have been asked to consider the proposals before they take part in a vote on the regulation changes.

In the event of a curtailed season, the proposals include using an unweighted points per game method to determine league tables, the retention of promotion and relegation, as well as staging the play-offs - but with the current four-team structure.

Should it prove impossible to hold the play-offs, then the EFL board would determine the appropriate course of action.

In terms of voting to end a season early, as was the case in League Two, then the majority is a figure of 51 per cent, but any decision on curtailing any campaign is down to each individual division.

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As for relegation, the EFL statement says: "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)."

EFL chairman, Rick Parry, added: “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.

"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.”