Sheffield Wednesday receive bye into Carabao Cup second round after English Football League kick cash-strapped Bury out of competition

Sheffield Wednesday have been given a bye into the second round of the Carabao Cup after the English Football League expelled Bury from the competition.
Owls caretaker boss Lee Bullen alongside Neil ThompsonOwls caretaker boss Lee Bullen alongside Neil Thompson
Owls caretaker boss Lee Bullen alongside Neil Thompson

The Owls, under the caretaker management of Lee Bullen, were scheduled to face the Shakers in the tournament last Tuesday but the tie was called off due to the Lancashire club's ongoing financial difficulties.

The EFL's ruling means Wednesday will face Rotherham United in the second round. The tie will take place at the New York Stadium on Wednesday, August 28 (7.45pm).

Ticket details will be confirmed shortly.

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A lengthy EFL statement read: "Bury FC’s scheduled League One fixture with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday 24 August has been suspended as further clarity remains outstanding in relation to a number of the Club’s financial obligations.

"Sheffield Wednesday have been awarded the Round One tie scheduled to be played against Bury and will progress to Round Two, where they will play away at Rotherham United on Wednesday 28 August.

"The EFL Board continues to be frustrated at the lack of significant progress that has been made by Mr Dale in providing the information required. However, we will continue to work with the current ownership in an attempt to achieve a resolution ahead of the Notice of Withdrawal deadline of Friday 23 August.

"It remains in regular communication with Mr Dale but if a solution is not found by the deadline, the Board will authorise the necessary share transfer on behalf of Bury FC which shall be legally binding on all parties and result, regretfully, in the Club no longer being a member of the League.

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"Should this happen, Bury’s record from the 2019/20 season would be expunged with League One consisting of 23 Clubs for the remainder of the campaign and the number of relegation places reduced to three at the conclusion of 2019/20 season. Four promotion places would remain from League Two ensuring a full complement of 24 teams in League One in 2020/21.

"Bury would then be free to make an application to the Football Association to re-join league competition further down the English football pyramid from season 2020/21.”

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