Bolton told to fulfil final two games of their season

Bolton have been told by the EFL they must fulfil their two outstanding league fixtures as Laurence Bassini's proposed takeover of the Sky Bet Championship club appeared to be thrown into doubt.

Bolton's troubled season hit its lowest point on Friday after their home game with Brentford was called off, with Wanderers players refusing to play in protest at unpaid wages.

The Trotters, who were relegated to the third tier of English football last week, are due to visit Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season.

Former Watford owner Laurence Bassini has agreed a deal to buy Bolton, subject to approval from the EFL.

But Bolton, in a statement responding to the EFL's insistence that the club must complete their fixtures, accused Bassini of failing to keep his pledge that players and staff would be paid during the takeover process.

"The principal undertakings given by Mr Bassini confirmed he would supply the short-term funding required to ensure the business can continue whilst the requirements of the EFL are undertaken,'' said the club statement.

"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.

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

Bolton's players revealed on Friday they had yet to receive their March salaries, along with five of their coaching staff.

A statement released on their behalf added: "We have endeavoured to continue our training and playing commitments during this extremely difficult time, with seemingly no resolution in sight.''

EFL responds

"The club has been instructed to now make the appropriate arrangements for the rearrangement of Saturday;s game at the earliest opportunity,'' said an EFL statement.

"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.''

"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.

"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."

Back in court

Bolton faced a winding-up petition on April 3 over an unpaid tax bill but the case has been adjourned until May 8 to allow the proposed sale of the club to proceed.

It was the sixth time in the last 18 months that Bolton have faced a winding-up order, which could result in administration or liquidation. The latest one was issued in February by HMRC over debts of #1.2million.

The strike action has received the full backing of the Professional Footballers' Association.

The PFA said: "The PFA supports the actions of the Bolton Wanderers players.

"The players have shown great patience and loyalty towards the club all season, but today, they have reached a point where action is necessary."