Controversial extended play-off plans backed by Portsmouth rivals Sunderland and Peterborough set to be ditched

The News understands it’s doubtful the idea being backed by Pompey’s rivals will garner the support required to make it a reality.

The likes of Sunderland and Peterborough have aired the prospect of up to 10 teams competing to decide promotion, if it’s agreed the campaign can’t be decided on the pitch.

Details on the concept remain sketchy, with Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony suggesting top-two pair Coventry and Rotherham go up and the next eight clubs vie for the third Championship spot.

Another view is the top sides could even be denied their automatic berths and made to battle it out with the teams below them.

None of the options appear likely to gain the momentum required to make the idea a reality, however, when third-tier clubs decide the way forward this week.

The EFL board are expected to meet and offer options for clubs to make a decision on over the coming days.

Peterborough director of football, Barry Fry, stated today a vote would take place on Friday after an EFL meeting on Wednesday.

It’s understood, however, that schedule has not yet been formalised by the league and filtered down to the 23 clubs involved this season.

The league released a statement of Friday which stated unweighted points per game would decide league positions in the wake of a premature end to the campaign.

That would lead to Pompey joining Oxford United, Fleetwood and Wycombe in the top six with Sunderland and Peterborough outside of the traditional play-off berths.

The Blues’ position remains consistent in that they are in support of the season being completed when it’s safe to do so.

They were one of six promotion-chasing sides who united to underline that position ahead of last Friday’s meeting between EFL members.