The EFL have released an update as clubs begin preparing for a possible return to action behind closed doors next month.

With clubs including Reading planning for a return to training early next week, the latest guidance has confirmed that the league still intends to complete the 2019-20 season, despite the Covid-19 outbreak.

The latest guidance, however, does confirm that clubs will still be promoted and relegated - even if the current season cannot be completed - by using a points per game calculation.

The latest guidance in full can be seen below: 

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%. 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. 

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.”