Relegation Of EFL Football Clubs Is Crucial, Says League’s Board

The league’s board has said relegation across all three divisions of the EFL is crucial to the integrity of the competition.

The board’s position appears to deal a blow to League Two’s plans to curtail the 2019-20 season without a team being relegated to the National League, although the framework the board has laid out is still to be voted on by all clubs.

The framework sets out that “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”.

EFL chairman Rick Parry said: “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 needed for the good of the league and its members.”

League Two clubs indicated last week they were moving towards curtailing the season due to the costs attached to playing behind closed doors and adhering to safety protocols around testing.

Forest Green chairman Dale Vince, who was against the decision to curtail the League Two campaign, said last week it was “all kinds of wrong” to block relegation.

Stevenage currently occupies a bottom spot in League Two, but their chairman Phil Wallace said last weekend his club is prepared to play on.

He told BBC Sport: “We have 10 games to play and are three points behind, with a game in hand. Why should I think it was not possible to get out of it?

“The League Two clubs cannot decide this. We can only tell the EFL of their indicative position but that is the collective view.”

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“The return to football action allows the League One promotions and relegations to be decided on the pitch, and by playing football you earn what you get.

“I trust all clubs in League One will vote to get playing football in the next few weeks. There is also a clear path in the event that the virus stops football, so there are no more excuses.”