THE EFL has confirmed that it wants promotion and relegation to be retained even if clubs vote to curtail the 2019/20 season in League One.

A statement from the league has underlined that completing the season remains their preferred choice but that the campaign could be brought to a premature close if 51 per cent of clubs voted in favour.

If the season is ended, the table will be decided by points per game – which means that Wycombe would spring into third place and Peterborough United would drop out of the play-off positions.

As things stand, Coventry City and Rotherham United would be promoted automatically.

The play-offs will also remain at their current level, contested between clubs in third, fourth, fifth and sixth.

It also means that Wanderers will be playing next season in League Two unless clubs vote to resume fixtures and they manage to overturn a 21-point deficit on AFC Wimbledon.

Southend and Tranmere would also be relegated if the season is ended immediately.

The draft proposal must still be discussed and then submitted formally - but reports say a vote could take place next week.

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 need for the good of the League and its members.”

The EFL’s recommended framework is as follows: “1. Resuming the 2019/20 season with the existing format remains the most appropriate course of action from a sporting integrity perspective, but the Board accepts there are circumstances that may lead to curtailment (as has been demonstrated with League Two) or a situation subsequently transpires whereby the season is unable to conclude.

“2. This means that, in the event of an early curtailment: a. Final divisional placings should be determined on unweighted points per game (if required).

b. Promotion and relegation should be retained.

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

“3. If a scenario arises whereby the Play-Offs cannot be played, the EFL Board will determine the appropriate course of action.

“4. The Board considers that the majority required to curtail the 2019/20 season in any division should be 51 per cent. Determining whether or not to curtail the season is a decision for each division to take.

“5. 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).

“6. 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.”