Why Macclesfield Town still face threat of relegation to National League

Macclesfield Town still face the threat of being relegated to the National League after the EFL confirmed it is appealing the outcome of a disciplinary case against the club.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Silkmen were deducted two points, which had been suspended from a previous charge, and fined £20,000 last month for failing to pay a number of players on time in March.

The independent disciplinary commission outcome meant that Macclesfield finished one point above Stevenage and avoided relegation from League Two.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, the EFL has announced it is appealing the outcome which, if successful, could mean the Silkmen are docked more points and be relegated to the National League.

Macclesfield Town say they are "disappointed" that the EFL is appealing the outcome of a disciplinary case against the club.Macclesfield Town say they are "disappointed" that the EFL is appealing the outcome of a disciplinary case against the club.
Macclesfield Town say they are "disappointed" that the EFL is appealing the outcome of a disciplinary case against the club.

Macclesfield, who have been docked 13 points this season in relation to similar charges, said they are “shocked and profoundly disappointed.”

If the EFL’s appeal is rejected then Stevenage will be relegated to the fifth tier. But the Hertfordshire could also get a reprieve if the National League can’t provide assurances that next season will go ahead.

The EFL said in a statement: “The EFL board has determined the League will appeal against the outcome of an independent disciplinary commission in respect of misconduct charges brought against Macclesfield Town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Those charges related to failing to pay a number of players on the applicable payment dates due in March 2020, failing to act with utmost good faith in respect of matters with the EFL and for breaching an order, requirement, direction or instruction of the League.

“As advised by the EFL on 19 June 2020, the commission ruled that the Club was to be deducted a further two points from the 2019/20 League Two table and fined £20,000.”

In response the Silkmen said in a statement: “Macclesfield Town are both shocked and profoundly disappointed to confirm that the English Football League have decided to appeal against the outcome of an independent disciplinary commission, in respect of misconduct charges levied against the club.

“These charges relate to the payment of player salaries in March 2020 and have previously been examined by the relevant commission on two separate occasions.”