Police launch fraud inquiry at Bury FC

Greater Manchester Police have started a fraud inquiry into the cash crisis that ultimately led to Bury's expulsion from the English Football League last week.

In a short statement, the force said: "On 18 June 2019, police received a report of fraud involving Bury Football Club. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.''

That report was made exactly one month before current owner Steve Dale reached a company voluntary arrangement with the club's creditors to repay 25 per cent of the £9million they were owed.

But that deal depended on the Shakers being allowed to play this season, something the English Football League, concerned about Dale's ability to finance those debts and the team's costs, refused to sanction.

This resulted in Dale missing several deadlines to either prove he could meet his obligations or sell the club to someone who could, with the EFL finally running out of patience last Tuesday, making Bury the first club to be expelled from the league since 1992