EFL Confirms Curtailment Of Leagues One And Two

The EFL has confirmed the curtailment of both the League One and League Two seasons, putting an end to the campaign and awarding placings on a points-per-game basis.

Clubs in both leagues voted to end the season at its current point, but to retain promotion and relegation based on the unweighted points-per-game metric – looking only at points won up to now, and not taking into account home and away games played. It also keeps the play-off system, meaning four clubs in each division still have matches to play.

The decision will see Coventry City and Rotherham United promoted to the Championship ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, with Tranmere Rovers, Southend United and Bolton Wanderers relegated from League One.

Meanwhile, in League Two, Swindon Town have been named champions with Crewe Alexandra and Plymouth Argyle both securing automatic promotion.

The last-placed club – Stevenage – will be relegated to the National League, but the EFL has stated that this will only take place if the National League’s 2020/21 season starts, stating that the relegated club must have ‘somewhere to play’.

The play-offs, meanwhile, will still be contested with home and away matches taking place ahead of the finals at Wembley. The League Two play-off final will take place on Monday 29th June, with the League One play-off schedule yet to be announced.

EFL Chair, Rick Parry, said ahead of the announcements: “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.”

The Championship, meanwhile, aims to finish the current season, with the action due to return behind closed doors from 20th June.