Macc out of league after points loss

MACCLESFIELD have been relegated from Sky Bet League Two after an independent arbitration panel decision led to a six-point deduction.

In June an independent disciplinary commission handed the Silkmen a two-point penalty and a £20,000 fine after the club were charged with misconduct related to the payment of player wages in March 2020.

The EFL subsequently appealed, opening up the possibility of a further points deduction that would leave Macclesfield bottom of League Two and thus relegate them, with Stevenage staying up in their place.

An Arbitration Panel has now confirmed the two-point deduction will stand and in addition to this Macclesfield will be deducted four points, which changes their points per game (PPG) total to 23.62, meaning they finish the season in 24th and will be relegated to the National League.

An EFL statement read: “The 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.

“The Arbitration Panel confirmed that the two-point suspended sporting sanction activated on 19 June 2020 from previous proceedings will stand and in addition the four point deduction, originally suspended, will be activated immediately and applied to the 2019/20 table.”