Barnsley have written a strongly-worded letter to the English Football League with reference to Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County.
The Guardian reports Barnsley have made it clear to EFL bosses that they will not accept relegation if the 2019/20 season is not restarted, citing the outstanding Profitability and Sustainability cases with the Owls and Derby County as their reason.
Should the 2019/20 campaign not be completed, Barnsley stand to go down despite clubs such as Wednesday and Derby facing independent disciplinary hearings relating to the controversial sale of their stadiums to owners.
The Reds, who are seven points from safety with nine fixtures remaining, are threatening to take legal action.
The Guardian obtained a letter on behalf of the Barnsley board which read: “Our perspective has alarmed us to the fact that rule adherence and proper governance of violations is appallingly worse here in England than counterparts in France, Belgium and Switzerland.
“A key element of La Liga’s large revenue growth in the last five years is its strict observance of relegation when rules are broken (including unpaid player wages, transfer fees, filing of timely financial statements, and unbalanced or unfunded budgets). How can anyone use the phrase ‘sporting integrity’ or the word ‘fair’ in any relegation scenario if the games aren’t played?
Relegation to League One in 2018 cost Barnsley £7m in revenue, according to Barnsley co-owner Paul Conway.
“This is a scenario that will not be passively accepted,” the letter continues. “Two to three clubs pending punishments from EFL charges could change the current status of the Championship table."
The letter has emerged on the day Wednesday and the majority of Championship clubs returned to training.
The Owls were hit with and EFL misconduct charge last November. The allegation relates to how and when the Owls sold their ground to owner Dejphon Chansiri, as well as the valuation of that transaction.
It is understood a date has now been set for next month for Wednesday's fight to go before an independent disciplinary commission.
Both the Owls and Derby have denied any wrongdoing but could face severe punishment if found guilty, with the possible sanctions ranging from a points deduction to a transfer embargo.
