Bolton game called off by EFL after players launch boycott over unpaid wages

University Of Bolton Stadium, formerly called Reebok Stadium. Home to English side Bolton Wanderers Football Club - Getty

Bolton's game against Brentford on Saturday has been called off by the English Football League after Bolton's players said they would not play until they receive the wages they are owed.


The match was called off 16 hours before it was scheduled to kick off.

None of the March wages owed to the Wanderers' players have been paid.

"As a result of these disappointing developments, the league has been forced to suspend Saturday's fixture," an EFL statement said.

"The club [Bolton] is now deemed to be guilty of misconduct and will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission.

"The EFL Board will now consider the matter of determining whether the fixture will be played or not."

In a club statement, Bolton said they "would like to apologise for the inconvenience this will cause".

Brentford's squad travelled north from London on Friday in preparation for the Championship game, which was due to be played at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Bolton's relegation to League One was confirmed on 19 April when they lost to Aston Villa.

A statement released on Bolton Wanderers FC official website - bwfc.co.uk says:

Bolton Wanderers Football Club regrettably confirms that Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Brentford has been called off.

The club would like to apologise for the inconvenience this will cause.

A further update will be released in due course.