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

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.