Stevenage set to be relegated after League Two clubs vote to end season
Stevenage look set to be relegated from League Two after clubs formally voted to end the season.
Earlier on Tuesday, clubs had agreed that the final table would be settled by a points-per-game format if the remaining fixtures couldn't be played.
The formula means Boro finish bottom of the division and could now be playing in the National League next season.
However, they could yet be saved if Macclesfield are deducted further points for late payment of wages.
Macclesfield, who have already been deducted 11 points this season, were three points ahead of Stevenage when football was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Watch an interview with Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace
In a statement, the EFL said the final League Two standings can't be officially confirmed yet because of "ongoing disciplinary matters."
Stevenage could also escape the drop if the EFL aren't satisfied that the National League will be ready to get going again soon.
The EFL have made it clear that they won't relegate a club if the National League can't give assurances that their competition will definitely go ahead.
The League Two play-offs will go ahead as planned though, meaning Colchester United and Northampton Town can start planning for their matches against Exeter City and Cheltenham Town respectively.
Both first legs on the semi-finals will take place on June 18, with Colchester hosting Exeter at 5.15pm and Northampton welcoming Cheltenham to the PTS Academy Stadium at 7.45pm.
The second legs will take place on 22 June with the final being held at Wembley on June 29 with a 7.30pm kick-off.
All games will be played behind closed doors.
Final League Two placings for clubs in the East
Colchester United - 6th (play-offs)
Northampton Town - 7th (play-off)
Cambridge United - 16th
Stevenage - 24th
League One clubs have also voted to curtail their season, meaning Peterborough United's hopes of making the play-offs have been dashed.
Posh were sixth when matches were suspended but have been leapfrogged by Wycombe Wanderers who jump from eighth to third due to the fact they had at least one game in hand on their play-off rivals.
Southend United have been relegated to League Two alongside Tranmere Rovers and Bolton Wanderers, while Coventry City and Rotherham United have been promoted to the Championship.
Speaking to ITV News Anglia, Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry said he felt "cheated" by the outcome.
"It's the worst day of my life," he said.
"I just can't see how it's fair (PPG). I just don't know how all the clubs voted for this. I'm absolutely gutted for everybody connected with Peterborough United. I feel cheated."
Watch an interview with Peterborough United Director of Football Barry Fry
A number of clubs, including Ipswich Town and Stevenage, put forward other options for how to end the season but none gathered enough support.
Ipswich wanted the League One play-offs to be expanded, while Stevenage were looking for relegation from League Two to be scrapped.
It means Ipswich finish 11th in the third tier - their lowest position for 67 years.
“It has always been our desire to see the League One season finished on the pitch, as is now the case with the Championship. Obviously we are very disappointed that will now not be happening," Ipswich owner Marcus Evans said.
“Personally I think there were other safe alternatives to the way things have worked out, certainly with so many clubs in with a chance of finishing in the Play-Off places if the season had continued.
“A decision had to be made though and while we don’t agree with the outcome, we do fully understand that the cost of finishing the season for many clubs was prohibitive."
Final League One placings for clubs in the East
Peterborough United - 7th
Ipswich Town - 11th
MK Dons - 19th
Southend United - 22nd (R)