The Commission’s findings follow the consideration of a series of charges in relation to Regulation 31 and the non-fulfilment of two fixtures over the course of two seasons with the first in reference to the Club’s failure to meet its requirements for the scheduled 2018/19 Championship fixture with Brentford, while further charges were issued in September 2019, after the Club failed to fulfil its League One fixture against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday 20 August 2019.
At a hearing on Thursday 14 November 2019, the Club pleaded guilty to the charges and, after hearing representations from both parties, the independent panel has ruled that Bolton Wanderers will be subject to a two point deduction for the fixture against Brentford and a further three points for the match against Doncaster Rovers. Both penalties are suspended for 18 months and will not be activated as long as the Club is not subject to a further misconduct charge for non-fulfilment of fixtures in that timeframe.
The financial penalty issued includes £20k and £50k fines handed out for the two respective fixtures, with half of the amounts due also suspended for 18 months.
The decision remains subject to appeal.
This season’s fixture with Doncaster Rovers will be rescheduled and details will be confirmed as soon as possible.
Bolton Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan said: “We acknowledge the decision made by the panel and are pleased that these matters, which occurred under the previous administrations of the club, have now been resolved.
“The club was represented by our Legal Counsel and Matthew Bennett from Centrefield LLP whom I must thank for their professional advice and guidance throughout.
“Our collective attention must now be fully focussed on Keith Hill, his staff and players as we look to get as many points as we can to climb the Sky Bet League One table.
“Bolton Wanderers supporters and staff have shown tremendous patience and passion throughout and we are now looking forward to working together to continue the rebuilding of this great football club.”
Today the Club launched its Half Season ticket campaign which covers the final 11 games of the season. Please click here for more information.