Macclesfield could yet be relegated to the National League after they confirmed the English Football League had appealed against a two-point penalty which kept them just above Stevenage.

An independent disciplinary commission imposed the points penalty and a £20,000 fine last month after the club were charged with misconduct related to the payment of player wages in March 2020.

Now the Silkmen have confirmed that the EFL has appealed against that decision, opening up the possibility of a further points deduction.

That would leave them bottom of the League Two standings, which were decided on a points-per-game basis when the regular season was curtailed last month.

A club statement read: "Macclesfield Town are both shocked and profoundly disappointed to confirm that the English Football League has decided to appeal against the outcome of an independent disciplinary commission, in respect of misconduct charges levied against the club.

"These charges relate to the payment of player salaries in March 2020 and have previously been examined by the relevant commission on two separate occasions."

South Wales Argus:

Macclesfield's statement added: "On June 19, 2020, the commission ruled that the club was to be deducted a further two points from the 2019/20 Sky Bet League Two table, as well as imposing a £20,000 fine 'subject to the EFL, in its absolute discretion, considering whether to waive, defer or repay the same in the light of the business plan required'.

"This matter will now be referred back to an independent disciplinary commission once again, where we will vigorously refute the perceived notion that the commission's previous judgement was in any way invalid."

In the current final League Two standings as published on the EFL website, Macclesfield in 23rd have 28.59 points on the PPG calculation, compared to bottom side Stevenage on 28.11.

Barrow, who were top of the National League when the English game was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic in March, have been promoted to League Two, taking the EFL up to 72 members after the demise of Bury last summer.

EFL clubs voted in favour of retaining promotion and relegation across its three divisions which would mean a second National League side could be promoted, although the EFL has sought assurances from the National League that whichever club drops out of League Two will have a competition to play in for the 2020-21 season.

Lennie Lawrence has left his role as mentor to Newport County AFC manager Michael Flynn for a similar position at Stevenage.

The 72-year-old will assist former Cardiff City striker Alex Revell whether Boro are in League Two or the National League.

Swindon, Crewe, Plymouth and Northampton have been promoted to League One while Tranmere, Southend and Bolton have been relegated and will face the Exiles next season.

The start date for 2020/21 is being thrashed out by clubs with County working on the assumption that it will be October, although some have suggested a September kick-off.