Silkmen relegated

An independent arbitration panel has backed the EFL who argued the four point penalty imposed and suspended in June should apply immediately.

With the decision “final and binding”, have  plunged to the foot of the League Two table and back into the National League.

The result means a dramatic reprieve for Stevenage, after the Hertfordshire side finished bottom, after picking up just 22 points from their 36 games before the lockdown.

Macclesfield have paid the ultimate price for a series of financial problems which left players unpaid, fixtures postponed and the deduction of a total of 17 points over the campaign.

Macclesfield had seven points deducted – with a further three point loss suspended – for failing to fulfil their game with Crewe in December.

In May, they lost those three points, plus four more – with an extra two suspended – when their home game with Plymouth was postponed owing to the lack of a safety certificate.

And in June they appeared to have survived when the independent commission docked them just two points for failing to pay March wages and not acting in good faith, with another four point loss again suspended into next season.

With League Two positions determined on a points per game basis, Macclesfield remained above Stevenage but the EFL announced last month it was appealing.

That appeal verdict, means the Silkmen’s 19 points from 37 games takes them below Stevenage.

Macclesfield’s official website merely reported the EFL’s statement, ending briefly: “The club will be providing further comment in due course.”

Fans accused the EFL of orchestrating a “farce”, accusing League chiefs of “corruption at its finest” although one added: “Fans have a right to be angry – let down by their club and poor ownership and management.”