Bolton, Bury face EFL deadline over ongoing financial concerns
Both clubs could see their opening fixtures suspended if they cannot prove they can meet their outstanding commitments
Tuesday 30 July 2019 09:19, UK
Bolton and Bury could find their opening Sky Bet League One fixtures suspended over ongoing financial concerns, the EFL has announced.
The EFL has agreed a deadline of 5pm on Monday for both clubs - who have already been hit with 12-point penalties - to comply with requests to submit evidence.
The football governing body said that while "some progress" has been made with regard to proving both clubs can meet their outstanding commitments, "concerns do remain".
"If the information is not received, the EFL Board is likely to suspend the opening day fixtures against Wycombe Wanderers (Bolton Wanderers) and MK Dons (Bury) under the provision of EFL Regulation 28.2," a statement warned.
"The EFL will continue to offer its full assistance and support to both clubs in order to achieve the objective of securing long-term futures for them but with the season now a matter of days away, there is no other option but for all outstanding matters to be brought to a conclusion."
Bolton's scheduled friendly match at Chester on Friday was called off after the players issued a statement claiming they have been put under "severe mental and emotional stress".
Members of the Wanderers squad say they and the coaching staff have not been paid for 20 weeks, while they returned to pre-season to find their training facilities locked up.
Meanwhile, Bury have already been warned they face expulsion from the league over ongoing financial concerns. A winding-up petition over unpaid debts was adjourned at the High Court last month.
