This is why the EFL have taken so long to organise vote as Portsmouth, Sunderland, Coventry, Ipswich and League One clubs wait on season’s outcome

And seeing the final games take place without being curtailed would give the governing body a ‘massive headache’ they are keen to avoid.

That’s why the vote to decide the season’s outcome has dragged on so excessively since the campaign was suspended nearly three months ago, according to Pompey writer Jordan Cross.

The EFL have maintained their first choice would be for the football season to continue in the traditional manner, but, speaking in the latest episode of Pompey Talk which you can downloand HERE, Cross has doubts about that.

He said: ‘The EFL are suggesting their preference is to finish the season on the pitch. I would contend that’s a load of rubbish. That’s their official line, though.

‘I think the EFL deserve criticism for how long this whole process has taken.

‘Mark Palios has been very vocal pushing his agenda but found time to criticise the EFL for their handling of the situation.

‘I think it’s important the public have picked up on this now. The EFL have got an extra headache if League One football continues.

‘The logistics of doing so would give them a massive headache. Although they are publicly saying they want it finished on the pitch, it only gives them a headache.

‘So the longer this situation drags on the less likely they are to complete league within the stated 56-day timescale by the end of July. It’s going to be beyond that

‘So they can say “there you go, you can’t complete the league in that time now”.’

There’s been a number of proposals and amendments put forward by clubs ahead of Tuesday’s vote, which Cross added is also a consideration for things being held up of late.

He added: ‘In slight defence of the league there’s been such swathe of proposals and amendments put forward and they have to be considered

‘That probably gives them the perfect ammunition to delay things which is why we find ourselves in the situation we do now.’

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