Macclesfield preparing to boycott League Two match with Crewe
Macclesfield’s players and staff say their League Two match against Crewe will not go ahead, although there has been no official confirmation the game is off.
Last month, the Cheshire club were charged with misconduct by the EFL over their failure to pay players. The first team had followed through on a strike threat during November, forcing Macclesfield to field youth-team players in an FA Cup tie against Kingstonian, which they lost 4-0.
On Thursday, a joint statement issued on behalf of Macclesfield players and staff said the Crewe game would not be going ahead as scheduled. “As a group, we’d like to inform the EFL and Crewe Alexandra Football Club that the game on Saturday won’t be taking place despite growing reports that is is ‘business as usual’,” the statement read. “This is down to the fact that salaries have not been paid for last month.
“We have not trained as a squad since last Thursday due to the fact we have no training ground but, most importantly, the game can’t go ahead for the emotional and mental wellbeing of the players which is currently rock bottom. We hope that our own fans, who have been tremendous,
Crewe fans and the whole of the football community can understand this decision with it being such an important month for us all on and off the pitch.”
Following the joint statement, Crewe said they were seeking more clarity. “The club are aware of media reports surrounding Saturday’s fixture against Macclesfield Town,” read a statement on Crewe’s Twitter feed. “We will continue to keep our supporters updated as and when we have been informed with more information on the matter.”
It is understood there has yet been no official decision taken either way as to whether Saturday’s match will go ahead. The Professional Footballers’ Association is in constant discussions with Macclesfield’s players and the EFL over the matter, while the EFL board discussed the matter at a meeting on Thursday afternoon and then pledged to meet with Macclesfield players.
“The EFL will meet the players of Macclesfield Town to discuss the current situation at the club, amid ongoing concern of the impact of late payments of wages on the health and wellbeing of those involved and their willingness to fulfil the club’s scheduled League Two fixture against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday 7 December and potentially other fixtures moving forward,” a statement from the EFL read.
“The EFL notes today’s latest statement from the players at the club alongside the recent comments made by the majority shareholder Mr Alkadhi, and it is clear there are challenges to be overcome. The League has significant sympathy for the players and employees, who continue to feel the substantial impact of the continued financial challenges.”
Non-fulfilment of the fixture would trigger another disciplinary breach for the League Two club, who already face a charge of misconduct regarding their failure to pay players.
On Wednesday, a judge heard former Macclesfield manager Sol Campbell wants the club to be wound up because debts of £182,000 have not been paid.