Last updated on .From the section Bury

Bury won automatic promotion from League Two last season

Bury's second League One game of the season, away at Accrington Stanley on Saturday, 10 August, has been suspended by the English Football League.

The Shakers had already had Saturday's opening fixture against MK Dons called off after failing to show the league evidence of financial viability.

The EFL says the club could still not demonstrate they could settle all football debts or pay off creditors.

Bury owner Steve Dale described the decision as a "grave injustice".

In a statement, Dale also said he was adamant that the club had sent the EFL the necessary assurances; that outstanding wage payments to players will be paid, that the club has the funds to operate during the 2019-20 season and also has a valid safety certificate for Gigg Lane for the season.

Dale added that he could not understand why a decision regarding the Accrington fixture could not wait until Monday if the league required further details from the club.

An EFL statement said: "Following a lengthy discussion, the board agreed that progress had been made with regard to the outstanding evidence requested by the league.

"The EFL acknowledges this remains a difficult and challenging period for the club, their players and supporters; and will continue to work with the ownership at Bury FC as it looks to resolve all outstanding matters."

It has been a chaotic week for Bury, who saw a winding-up petition against them dismissed by the High Court on Wednesday, while Dale claimed the EFL were "working against" them.

The EFL's interim chief executive Debbie Jevans said later that the league was "not standing in the way" of the Shakers' survival.

The club have already been given a 12-point deduction for the season after entering into a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in order to try to clear some of their debts.

Bury, who won promotion from League Two last season, have already been referred to an independent disciplinary panel after their fixture against MK Dons was suspended.