MORECAMBE have tumbled below both Gillingham and Bradford City in the League Two table after being docked three points.

They sat 12th until the start of this afternoon but had a points deduction hanging over them, which was suspended until the end of June.

That was regarding a failure to play the players’ wages, but owner Jason Whittingham was also required to pay a sum into a designated club account.

He has failed to do that, meaning the points deduction has been activated early, with Whittingham receiving a fine of £10,000.

An EFL statement released this afternoon read: “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 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 per cent 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.”

The IDC’s Decision and written reasons are available to view on EFL.com.