EFL suspends fourth Bury game of the season as club future hangs in the balance

The League One club has failed to prove its financial viability to the EFL

Samuel Lovett
Tuesday 13 August 2019 16:20 BST
Comments
The Shakers have been issued with a notice of withdrawal of membership by the EFL
The Shakers have been issued with a notice of withdrawal of membership by the EFL (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bury’s match against Gillingham on Saturday has been suspended by the English Football League.

This is the fourth Shakers game to be called off, with the League One club failing to prove its financial viability to the EFL by today’s 9am deadline.

A statement from the EFL read: “Clarity is still required on plans to meet the Club’s commitments to football creditors, payment to unsecured creditors as part of the Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), alongside source and sufficiency of funding for season 2019/20.

“As a result of the necessary evidence not being made available, the fixture has been suspended in accordance with EFL Regulation 28.2 and is the Club’s fourth game of the season not to take place as originally scheduled.”

The decision by the EFL comes a day after Bury owner Steve Dale said he would consider selling the club after a “lifeline” takeover offer was made on Monday.

The Shakers, deducted 12 points for entering into a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), have been issued with a notice of withdrawal of membership by the EFL and are currently working towards a 23 August deadline to avoid expulsion.

Bury’s opening three league fixtures – against MK Dons, Accrington and now Gillingham – have all been suspended, with the future of the 134-year-old club under serious threat as a result of this summer’s financial difficulties.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in