The EFL has finally released a statement regarding the ongoing financial troubles at Macclesfield Town.
The Silkmen fielded a team of six academy players and five loanees in Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Kingstonian after senior players refused to play in protest at failing to receive their wages for October. Macclesfield lost the game 4-0 against a backdrop of fan protests aimed towards the controversial owner of the club, Amar Alkadhi.
The latest issues followed the previous late payment of monies owed in September which forced the squad to appeal to the EFL for help.
Reports also emerged today that the team was not insured and had taken advice not to play or train.
Going back to May, the players considered boycotting the final match of last season over similar late payments.
In a statement very similar to many issued during the troubles faced by Bolton and Bury, the EFL confirmed they were launching an investigation into the current problems faced by Macclesfield.
The EFL also set a deadline for the club to satisfy a request for information and issued the threat of disciplinary action if matters cannot be resolved.
In addition, the league has also asked for assurances the Silkmen can fulfil Wednesday night”s EFL Trophy game against Shrewsbury Town under the threat of expulsion from the competition if they fail to field a team.
Supporters of Macclesfield and football in general soon took to social media to react to the EFL’s latest response to a club engulfed in financial difficulties under their jurisdiction. In a recent Commons committee hearing into the demise of Bury, the EFL received a damning criticism of their handling of that particular sorry situation, but it appears they have failed to adhere to their promise of learning lessons from events in Lancashire and many fans were appalled at their latest offering.
In our opinion, the EFL is a national disgrace that shows utter contempt for supporters of its member clubs and their communities. Judging by the comments posted on social media in response to the statement, plenty of football supporters agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment.
Here is a small selection of responses to the EFL on Twitter.
Where have we seen this before I wonder? Useless your lot. Couldn't run a bath.
— Chris ⚔🔴⚪⚫⚔ (@Lincs_Blade) November 12, 2019
*learning from past mistakes*
— Charlie Howell (@CharlieHowell_) November 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/1977Ant/status/1194284938838859776?s=20
https://twitter.com/walshybfc/status/1194290416809590784?s=20
They common demominator in all these failed ownerships is you. #efl
— Stuart Glover (@StuartGlover) November 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/_AndyDavies/status/1194276598180126722?s=20
Ah the beginning of the Macclesfield Town statements. This could go on a while. Lost count the amount Bury and Bolton had.
— Fan Banter (@fan_banter) November 12, 2019
Ah the EFL issue a statement. Do you do anything else?
— Richard Armstrong (@habbyhatter) November 12, 2019
Unfortunately the next club to go under…. the @EFL have to start taking some responsibility and look after their clubs more.
— Mark Whittle (@MarkWhittle1) November 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/SouthernBlue18/status/1194278969740349440?s=20
Here we go again… This is gonna turn into another Bury situation
— ᴍᴀᴛᴛʜᴇᴡ ❤️🤍 (@SAFCsharpy) November 12, 2019
