Silkmen charged with misconduct by EFL over wages
MACCLESFIELD town could face disciplinary action after the club was hit with a misconduct charge.
The charge - from the English Football League (EFL) - relates to non-payment of wages and the Silkmen have now been referred to a disciplinary commission.
If the Silkmen are found to have breached league rules, sanctions available to the committee would include a possible points deduction or even expulsion from the league.
And police yesterday confirmed said they had received a report in relation to a financial matter at the club and would be ‘reviewing information provided to establish if any criminal offences have taken place’.
It has been reported that most of the wages have now been paid and the strike action taken by players is now over.
A team of loanees and youth players played in the FA Cup against Kingstonian while a stronger team was used to fulfil the midweek Leasing.com Trophy fixture with Shrewsbury.
Completing the latter fixture netted the Silkmen £30,000 to assist with paying wages to players and other staff.
And on Saturday a largely full-strength side battled to a 0-0 with Mansfield at the Moss Rose.
But the future remains uncertain with the EFL releasing a statement on Thursday, November 14 which read: “Macclesfield Town has been charged with misconduct under EFL Regulation 63.7 for non-payment of wages and referred to a disciplinary commission for failing to pay its players on the applicable payment due dates.
“The EFL recognises the impact the non-payment of wages has on the health and wellbeing of those involved and has been engaged in discussions with Macclesfield Town and the Professional Footballers’ Association to try and find an appropriate solution.
“The club was given until 4pm yesterday to provide a response to the EFL’s request for information in this respect.
“As a result of the information provided, the EFL has notified the club of multiple charges related to failing to adhere to the terms of the contracts that are in operation. The disciplinary commission has the power to impose a full range of sanctions as set out in regulation 92 if the club is found to be in breach.”
Possible sanctions included in regulation 92 are a points deduction or even expulsion from the Football League. Others are less severe.
The strike was called after late wages in October, September and earlier on in the year. The EFL statement also said: “As a result of the club fulfilling its obligations in respect of playing last night’s Leasing.com Trophy fixture, the EFL has released an immediate payment of £30,000 secured through participation in this season’s competition to assist in the payment of wages to players and staff.”
The club has been contacted for comment but not responded.
It released a statement on Friday, only saying: “Macclesfield Town would like to confirm that Saturday afternoon’s Sky Bet League
Two clash with Mansfield Town will go ahead as planned.
“Kick-off will be at 3pm as scheduled and we look forward to seeing both sets of fans here at the Moss Rose.”
A police spokesman said: “At 12.20pm on Thursday 14 November police received a report in relation to a financial matter at Macclesfield Town Football Club.
“We will be reviewing the information provided to establish if any criminal offences have taken place.
“Where necessary we will refer information to the relevant agencies.”