Stevenage to be relegated to National League after Macclesfield disciplinary case is concluded

A deduction of three points or more would have resulted in the Silkmen drop to the bottom of League Two and be relegated to the fifth tier.

But an independent panel decided to activate a two-point penalty suspended from a previous case meaning Macclesfield will remain in League Two.

The club has been fined £20,000 for the latest misconduct charge relating to late payment of wages to a number of players in March.

A further four points will be deducted if any further breaches take place in the 2020/2021 season.

In total Macclesfield have been deducted 13 points this season for similar breaches.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the independent arbitration panel for their unquestionable diligence, in reaching what we deem to be a fair and unbiased conclusion,” Macclesfield said in a statement.

However, Stevenage could get a reprieve if the English Football League don’t receive assurances from the National League that the 2020/2021 season will go ahead.

The EFL has stated that the bottom team in League Two will be relegated but only if they definitely have a league to play in next campaign.

The National League is looking at a possible September start for next season.

Stevenage could also survive the drop if the National League play-offs - which are set to be played - do not take place.

The EFL said in a statement: “Under those newly agreed 2019/20 curtailment regulations, the 24th placed club in League Two will be relegated to the National League. This remains subject to ongoing discussions in respect of the 2019/20 National League play-offs and the EFL board receiving the necessary assurances that the National League will start season 2020/21.”

If Stevenage are relegated then Chesterfield will be aiming to improve their overall record of just one win in six games against the Hertfordshire club.

The Spireites were beaten 5-1 and 1-0 in the 2017/18 season when they were relegated from League Two.

Their only win against Stevenage (1-0) came in January 2011.