Macclesfield Town's relegation to National League confirmed after English Football League rejects request

The Silkmen were initially deducted two points for failing to pay their players on time in March but they then had another four taken off them after the EFL appealed the original decision.

As a result, Macclesfield slumped to the bottom of League Two giving Stevenage, who had finished 24th on points per game (PPG), a reprieve.

Macclesfield requested they be reinstated into the EFL because they claimed there was no guarantee that the 2020/2021 National League season would go ahead.

But the EFL rejected the request and said in a statement: “The National League informed its clubs on 27 July 2020 of its intention to commence season 2020/21 on 3 October 2020 and has provided the EFL with further information alongside confirming the details relating to how it intends to do so in compliance with all relevant government guidance.

“Having considered written submissions from the club, the communication received from the National League, the fact that fixtures in League One and League Two are scheduled to commence on 12 September 2020 and all other relevant matters, the board is satisfied that competitive fixtures in the National League will commence within a reasonable period of time and that it should not utilise its power to reprieve.

“As a result, Macclesfield Town, the 24th placed team in League Two are relegated from the EFL and will play in the National League in season 2020/21.”