The League Two relegation place is not confirmed as EFL reveal they plan to appeal the independent panel’s decision on Macclesfield’s points deduction.
The Silkmen have been given a two-point deduction, which had been suspended from a previous charge, after failing to pay wages on time back in March.
The English Football League had expected a more severe deduction. Any more than the initially awarded two points will send Macclesfield Town down in Stevenage’s place.
Macclesfield were docked 13 points in total in the 2019-20 season, which was curtailed early after a vote by clubs because of the coronavirus pandemic.
That meant thatStevenage finished bottom of League Two, crucially just one point adrift of Macclesfield.
The Hertfordshire outfit are still set to be relegated to the National League, providing the EFL receives assurances that the top tier of non league football will go ahead in 2020-21.
National League playoff semi final dates haven’t been confirmed yet, however a September start is rumoured for the non league system.
Soon after the independent panel’s decision regarding Macclesfield’s case on 19 June, Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace said his club were not ready to give up on their fight for survival.
A statement was published on the league organisation’s website: “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.
“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.
“There will be no further comment at this time.”
In addition to those penalties, the independent panel ruled that a further four points should be deducted but suspended, and only activated if the club does not pay its players on time during next season.
The Silkmen state: “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.
“On 19th June 2020, the Commission ruled that the Club was to be deducted a further two points from the 2019/20 Sky Bet League Two table, as well as imposing a £20,000 fine “subject to the EFL, in it’s absolute discretion, considering whether to waive, defer or repay the same in the light of the business plan required.”
“This matter will now be referred back to an Independent Disciplinary Commission once again, where we will vigorously refute the perceived notion that the Commission’s previous judgment was is in anyway invalid.
“The Club will provide a further update in due course.”
Fans reacted on social media as soon as it was revealed that the League Two relegation place was not confirmed as EFL plan to appeal. Take a look at what they had to say by scrolling below…
/past 24 months. Definition of #shambles pic.twitter.com/n4Tykl3XRD
— Dave Bouchard (@The_MightyBouch) July 3, 2020
Disgusting from the EFL. Carlisle and Grimsby wouldn’t be saying the same if the boot was on the other foot. Stevenage were/are shite. Get over it!
— thew (@Mr_C_81) July 3, 2020
Overspend ??
— Nathan Whiting (@Nathy_Whiting) July 3, 2020
I’d rather have Macclesfield in the @TheVanaramaNL than Stevenage. For starters, It’s a lot easier to get to.
— SpireitesWrite (@Spireiteswrite) July 3, 2020
Phil Wallace after paying of the EFL and keeping Stevenage up pic.twitter.com/Z6jiNUOrJs
— ً (@akaJamesx) July 3, 2020
Shocked and disappointed that people don’t want cheaters in the league… I am shocked. ??
— Ja mes (@jamezymaryan) July 3, 2020
I expect they have also had some shouting in their ears as your points deduction was suspended, but no matter what happens Wigan get deduction this season # #Wigan #silkmen #stevenagefc
— callum jackson (@BIGC1236) July 3, 2020
When will the EFL leave this club alone? When will this bulls*** end?
— Dan Jackson ? #StayAlert ? (@daniel14f1) July 3, 2020
The EFL are corrupt. Whole point of an independent panel is that they are independent. That was the decision let’s move on. Can see a law suit if 1 more point gets deducted.
— James Brown (@JamesBrownEFC) July 3, 2020
No wonder EFL don’t want an independent panel on Macclesfield and Stevenage because the world of football will realize how bent and useless they are!!
— SteveClueless (@steve_clueless) July 3, 2020
But what part of not fulfilling your fixtures or paying your players is the fault of the EFL or other well run clubs? Stevenage were poor on the field. Yes. But Macc were always leaking more points by end of the season. They weren’t punished by the last panel at all.
— Darren Isted (@DarrenIsted1) July 3, 2020
They are really gunning for Macc aren’t they!
— Gareth Connor ???????????? (@GarethConnor4) July 3, 2020
It’s kinda funny looking at this from the outside. Both Stevenage and Macclesfield fans seem to think the EFL wants them out. It can’t be that way for both ? https://t.co/MFBJEhWC3V
— Tyron (@tlmfootball) July 3, 2020
Stevenage have been awful this season but at the end of the day they pay their players so Macc should go down
— Jack Edwards (@jackedwards92) July 3, 2020
EFL become more of a farcical organisation as each day passes
— Lee Hinton (@LeeAHinton95) July 3, 2020
It may have taken since March for one piece of common sense to emerge but the EFL may finally be showing this now. How could Macclesfield be found guilty again and not lose any points! Judgement was flawed.
— Darren Isted (@DarrenIsted1) July 3, 2020
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