In April 2018, the EFL confirmed that it was facilitating mediation between AFC Wimbledon and Milton Keynes Dons (MK Dons) in an attempt to reach an amicable position in respect of the Clubs’ relationship towards one another.
AFC Wimbledon were charged by the EFL in December 2017 with a breach of its Regulations 3.4 and 3.5 for conduct amounting to misconduct, in respect of its actions towards MK Dons.
This charge came as a result of the League One meeting between the two Clubs on 22 September 2017 at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, when the home club was alleged to have not referred to MK Dons in an appropriate manner.
The EFL had previously sought to ensure that MK Dons were treated accordingly and consistent with all Clubs visiting AFC Wimbledon. However, it opted to drop the charges following initial positive dialogue with both MK Dons and The Dons Trust Board and the AFC Wimbledon Board which took place ahead of formal mediation commencing.
MK Dons were not scheduled to travel to AFC Wimbledon in League competition until April 2020 which would have given an appropriate and realistic timeframe to complete the mediation process, however the Carabao Cup Round One draw has brought this forward by a number of months and the two Clubs will meet on 13 August at 7.45pm.
Following further discussions, it has been agreed that AFC Wimbledon will now meet a number of conditions set out by the League whilst mediation continues. These include featuring the name of the MK Dons on the website, match tickets, match programmes, teamsheets and scoreboard (as applicable) in a manner that is consistent with all other teams that visit the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
EFL Executive Chair, Debbie Jevans, said: “I would like to thank all those involved for their continued support in what is clearly an emotive situation, not only for supporters but for all those associated with both Clubs. We will continue to work with both our members, with the ambition of securing a long-term positive outcome that we know both parties are eager to achieve."