Morecambe FC deducted three points after EFL financial rule breach

Morecambe FC’s board has expressed their ‘significant disappointment’ after the club was deducted three points for a financial rule breach.

An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Morecambe Football Club are to be deducted three points from the 2023/24 League Two table for failing to adhere to the terms of an Agreed Decision.

The Club had previously received a three-point deduction, to be suspended until 30 June 2024, after admitting a breach of English Football League (EFL) Regulations for failing to pay its player wages on or around 28 March 2023. The Club’s ultimate beneficial owner was also required to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the forecast monthly wage bill in a designated Club account.

Following the failure to keep the account at the required levels, the suspended three-point deduction has now been activated.

Owner Mr Jason Whittingham has also been fined £10,000, payable immediately, whilst a suspended fine of £20,000 has also been imposed, to be activated on 31 May 2024, unless he complies in full with his obligation to replenish the Deposit Account under the terms of the Agreed Decision dated 17 August 2023.

You can read the judgement in full here 

The penalty all but ends Morecambe’s slight hopes of a League Two play off spot, with the Shrimps now on 57 points, eight points from the top 7 with just three games of the season to play.