The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them three promotion places.
SunSport has learned that the matter was discussed at an EFL Board meeting yesterday.
The Board concluded that the promotion and relegation issue should be passed to the clubs for talks at their divisional meetings later this month, with no commitment made to vote at the end of the season.
The National League wrote to the EFL earlier this week requesting a vote at their summer AGM so the new promotion and relegation model could be introduced next season.
In addition the National League have launched a public 3UP campaign, but have been unable to secure any commitment from the EFL at this stage.
The EFL declined to comment, and are planning to write to the National League to explain their position in detail.
Any rule change requires a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs, including a majority of the 24 in the Championship.
The EFL are expected to set out their concerns to the clubs later this month, including the fact that National League clubs are not subject to the same cost control rules.
Agreeing the same spending rules is viewed by many as essential before three-up three-down can be introduced, and that will not happen before the end of the season.
EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs.
National League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.
Pearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport.
“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.
“An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”
Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL.
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