BURY Football Club will have to apply to the Football Association for re-entry into the English football pyramid if Steve Dale fails to provide clarity on the club’s financial obligations by Friday at 5pm.

The EFL has voiced its frustrations with the “lack of significant progress” made by Dale in proving he can fund the Shakers since the deadline was set 11 days ago.

Furthermore, it is understood an offer to buy the club – and secure its future - has been rejected by Dale this week.

The bid, believed to have been made by a former chairman of a Football League club, was turned down on the grounds that Dale believes he can get a better deal.

Bury have had their game against Tranmere Rovers, scheduled for Saturday, August 24, suspended, and have also been axed from the Carabao Cup, with Sheffield Wednesday handed a bye to round two.

An EFL statement continued: “The EFL board continues to be frustrated at the lack of significant progress that has been made by Mr Dale in providing the information required. However, we will continue to work with the current ownership in an attempt to achieve a resolution ahead of the Notice of Withdrawal deadline of Friday, August 26.

“It remains in regular communication with Mr Dale but if a solution is not found by the deadline, the Board will authorise the necessary share transfer on behalf of Bury FC which shall be legally binding on all parties and result, regretfully, in the club no longer being a member of the league.”

Bury were elected to the Football League in 1894 but would be forced to re-apply for a place in the non-league structure, depending on availability.

The EFL confirmed: “Bury’s record from the 2019/20 season would be expunged with League One consisting of 23 Clubs for the remainder of the campaign and the number of relegation places reduced to three at the conclusion of 2019/20 season. Four promotion places would remain from League Two ensuring a full complement of 24 teams in League One in 2020/21.

“Bury would then be free to make an application to the Football Association to re-join league competition further down the English football pyramid from season 2020/21.”