Bolton Wanderers ordered to complete remaining Championship fixtures even if players refuse to play

Bolton Wanderers have been ordered to complete their two remaining Championship fixtures against Brentford and Nottingham Forest even if their first-team players refuse to turn out for the crisis club.

After not receiving their wages for March and April, the Bolton players took the decision to refuse to play in Saturday’s league clash with Brentford, which has since been postponed by the English Football League (EFL).

But the EFL issued a statement to confirm their demand for the match to be rescheduled before the end of the season, and added that they expect the club to make provisions to use youth players if they are unable to call on their senior squad.

An EFL statement on Saturday morning read: "The club has been instructed to now make the appropriate arrangements for the rearrangement of Saturday's game at the earliest opportunity.

"In issuing this directive, the board is aware that a number of the clubs' professional players may not make themselves available but is satisfied that a team can be selected from the players they have registered and available to them."

Had Bolton’s Under-18s not played on Thursday, the EFL would have made the club play their clash against Brentford, but concerns over player welfare in making their teenagers play twice within 48 hours led to the decision to postpone the match.

"This same issue will not reoccur as the club is able to plan the players' preparation and recovery time accordingly," the EFL statement said.

"We deeply regret having to make the decision to suspend Saturday's game and apologise for the inconvenience this will cause for all those involved, particularly the supporters of both Bolton Wanderers and Brentford.

"As stated yesterday, as a result of Bolton Wanderers not meeting its fixture obligations as per EFL regulations, the club will now be charged with misconduct and be referred to an independent disciplinary commission.

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"Finally, the current ownership difficulties at the club remain a significant concern for the EFL and we will look to work with both parties over the next week to bring all outstanding matters to a speedy conclusion.

"It should be recognised that the resolution is not in our hands but we will assist where possible, with the long term interests of Bolton Wanderers and its supporters, our priority."

Bolton’s relegation from the Championship to League One next season has already been confirmed as they sit 11 points off safety with two matches remaining, and their future remains uncertain with the club currently the subject of a takeover is from former Watford owner Laurence Bassini, whose deal is yet to be ratified by the appropriate footballing authorities.

In a statement on Saturday morning, Bolton said Bassini has confirmed he would "supply the short term funding required to ensure the business can continue whilst the requirements of the EFL are undertaken".

The club said Bassini addressed the team before the Aston Villa game on 19 April when he said he would pay outstanding salaries to players and coaching staff no later than 24 April.

However, the club said: "Despite further promises made to both the team manager and senior representatives of the squad no funding has been made available to allow payment to the staff or players."

"Mr Bassini also failed to make the funds available, which he confirmed would be placed in the club's account prior to the Aston Villa game. These funds were required to ensure the attendance of the emergency services under the stadium's safety certificate.

"Mr Bassini gave assurance the monies required had been sent by Metro Bank on numerous occasions. Once it became clear that Mr Bassini had not transferred these funds Ken Anderson quickly sent the required amount to ensure the game could be played even though it was not his responsibility.

"During the past 10 days numerous further undertakings have been given by Mr Bassini but as of today no funds have ever been received."

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Bolton said that Bassini's "broken promise" meant the club had no alternative but to postpone Saturday's game against Brentford.

"The club will discuss the matter with both the EFL and Brentford and a further statement will be made to supporters in respect of any arrangements for playing this game," the statement continued.

"Ken Anderson wishes to make it absolutely clear to supporters, staff and all stakeholders that the agreement reached with Mr Bassini has not changed or has he in any way attempted to renegotiate the agreed terms of the signed agreement between the parties. Mr Bassini has not carried out, or made us aware, of any further due diligence on the business which would lead him to any change of mind and attempt to breach the agreement.

"The agreement between Inner Circle Investments and Mr Bassini would have resulted in a personal loss to Mr Anderson but he felt the deal offered by Mr Bassini was the best option to allow a quick and a solvent solution for the club, something that has been at the foremost of his thoughts during the process.

"Unfortunately Inner Circle Investments and Ken Anderson as the only director of the company cannot allow this process to continue and therefore he is now receiving independent advice from his professional advisors."