Struggling Bolton Wanderers face being docked five points after the EFL punished the club for failing to play two of his fixtures.
The Trotters, who are bottom of the Sky Bet League One table, have been given a suspended points deduction after matches against Brentford last season and Doncaster this season were not played.
Bolton’s final game of last season against the Bees was called off after players refused to wear the shirt due to a dispute over unpaid wages.
Another cancellation then occurred in August earlier this year with the match against a Doncaster postponed amid concerns from the club over the welfare of its younger players.
Bolton, who have also been fined £70,000, will not have the five points deducted unless there are further misconduct charges related to fixtures not being fulfilled.
A statement from the EFL said: “At a hearing on Thursday 14 November 2019, the Club pleaded guilty to the charges and, after hearing representations from both parties, the independent panel has ruled that Bolton Wanderers will be subject to a two point deduction for the fixture against Brentford and a further three points for the match against Doncaster Rovers.
“Both penalties are suspended for 18 months and will not be activated as long as the Club is not subject to a further misconduct charge for non-fulfilment of fixtures in that timeframe.
“The financial penalty issued includes £20k and £50k fines handed out for the two respective fixtures, with half of the amounts due also suspended for 18 months.
“The decision remains subject to appeal. This season’s fixture with Doncaster Rovers will be rescheduled and details will be confirmed as soon as possible.”
Bolton began this season with a 12-point deduction and are currently languishing at the bottom with just one solitary point to their name. They face Accrington Stanley in the league on Saturday.
