Reports are emerging that the majority of bottom-half clubs in the Premier League want relegation to be scrapped.
Top-flight teams will meet today to discuss the possibility of Project Restart getting under way, with all 20 teams committed to completing the season, which was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But Sky Sports state that clubs in the bottom six have serious reservations about playing at neutral venues - one of the options on the table to bring this campaign to a conclusion.
They report that at least six teams - Brighton, West Ham, Watford, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich - are opposed to the current idea. They would, however, need further clubs to support them in any vote, with 14 teams needed to pass any motion.
No relegation would suit those struggling at the wrong end of the top tier but it would enrage those in the Championship, with Leeds United and West Brom currently leading the way, and Cardiff City and Swansea City within a whisker of the play-off spots.
EFL chairman Rick Parry has threatened legal action if relegation is scrapped and teams in the Championship are blocked from being promoted to the top flight.
And in another legal twist, a leading sports lawyer revealed over the weekend that clubs and their legal teams could be able to block their rivals from getting promoted this season by filing for an injunction.
Currently, a points-per-game is said to be the favoured option but that has angered many of the promotion-chasing pack.
James Severn, an expert on sports law and partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper, has told Sportsmail: “League One is really interesting with only three points between second and eighth.
“Any club missing out in such a scenario may consider a claim in damages or seek an injunction prohibiting the League from taking a decision to promote or relegate clubs.”
Further details are expected to emerge from today's meeting of the Premier League clubs.
