All 24 clubs from England’s League Two have voted unanimously to end the 2019-20 season with promotion to go ahead but no side to be relegated.
The clubs held a video meeting on Friday where the decision was voted upon, although it needs to be approved by the English Football League (EFL) and Football Association (FA).
The decision is based on the financial implications of attempting to continue the season for lower tier clubs who have furloughed players and staff, while, with no crowds permitted, they would not profit from hosting matches.
It was decided that three teams should be automatically promoted and four teams should enter the promotion play-offs, based on ladder positions by an unweighted points-per-game system.
The club also voted against relegation out of the Football League, although the EFL insisted that “no commitments were made”. Stevenage are currently bottom of the fourth tier.
“Clubs asked for consideration to be given to suspending relegation to the National League for 2019-20 as a result of circumstances created where fixtures cannot be completed,” said the EFL in a statement.
“No commitments were made in this respect and the board will now consider the implications of the division’s preferred approach at their next meeting.”
Under the system, Swindon Town, Crewe Alexandra and Plymouth Argyle would all be automatically promoted, while Exeter City, Cheltenham Town, Colchester United and Northampton Town would enter the play-offs.
Meanwhile, a similar decision did not occur in League One with several clubs reluctant to commit to the proposal to end the season immediately.
It’s understood six clubs want to complete the 2019-20 season, although all League One clubs will meet again on Monday to discuss a possible resolution.
The six clubs opposed to the proposal are all currently in the top 10 on the table, with five of those firmly in contention for automatic promotion.