Bolton Wanderers face another points deduction from the EFL after unilaterally postponing Tuesday night’s League One fixture with Doncaster Rovers.
“Welfare” concerns were cited regarding their younger players being forced to play in their opening four games of the season due to the club’s stricken finances which placed it in administration in May.
Yet the decision was taken without consulting Rovers or the EFL and the governing body is to refer Bolton to an independent regulatory. If found guilty of a potential charge of gross misconduct the club will lose points, with the EFL having previously docked them 12 points after entering administration at the beginning of last season.
Bolton’s final match of last season against Brentford was also not played. This case is yet to be referred to a commission and may now be heard alongside that of the postponed Rovers game, with Bolton again facing a points deduction for this. The respective cases are expected to be referred soon, it is understood.
While the visit of Rovers was called off by Bolton’s joint-administrator, Paul Appleton, the south Yorkshire club expressed bemusement at the move.
A statement on Monday said: “Bolton Wanderers have postponed this game without the agreement of Rovers or the EFL, and we were surprised to learn of the news via Bolton’s social media. We have a lot of sympathy for Bolton’s plight, but we’ve prepared for this game as normal and fully expected it to go ahead.
“We will work with the EFL to understand this situation and keep supporters as informed as we can when we are able to say more.”
Wanderers are hopeful that a takeover by Football Ventures will be completed soon. Their next game is Saturday’s visit of Ipswich Town.
