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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dan Kilpatrick

Premier League clubs delay curtailment decision at latest shareholders' meeting

Premier League clubs on Thursday delayed making a decision on how to determine the campaign in the event it is curtailed for a second time.

The likeliest method for deciding the table is unweighted points-per-game, but a number of clubs remain eager for relegation to be taken off the table if the Championship fails to complete the season but the Premier League does.

EFL chief executive Rick Parry has threatened legal action on behalf of his clubs if three teams are not promoted from the second tier.

The FA have made clear that they would enforce promotion and relegation if both leagues are completed, but chairman Greg Clarke is thought to have indicated on Thursday that the governing body's position could change if either league is not played to a conclusion.

Top-flight clubs voted through rule changes to allow five substitutes and nine players on the bench when the season resumes from June 17.

They also signed off the opening rounds of fixtures, which are set to be announced on Friday afternoon, but pushed back on increased access for broadcasters.

The issue of neutral venues also remains on ice, with clubs accepting that a very small number of games may need to be relocated at the request of police.

With another shareholders' meeting scheduled for next Thursday, clubs also delayed decisions on whether they can alter their 25-man squad lists, originally submitted in February, and what happens in the event that a club is dramatically reduced in size by a local coronavirus outbreak.

TV companies had proposed a raft of measures to improve the behind-closed-doors product, including dressing room cameras and half-time player and manager interviews.

However, clubs, who are frustrated by the extent of the rebate due to broadcasters, have pushed back on the proposals.

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