The EFL has suspended Bury’s opening League 1 match against MK Dons.

Gills’ league rivals are already starting the season on minus 12 points after a company voluntary agreement was accepted.

The Football League gave the club until 5pm on Monday to receive evidence they had the funds to continue.

An EFL statement said that the “board is not satisfied it has received the necessary evidence in regard to the outstanding information it requires” and has such suspended their opening fixture."

Another deadline has now been set, for 12pm on Friday. If the necessary evidence isn’t submitted by then a decision will be taken on whether to also suspend their away fixture at Accrington Stanley next Saturday (August 10).

The Gills are due to take on Bury the following weekend, at Gigg Lane, on Saturday, August 17.

Fellow League 1 side Bolton, who are also starting the season with a 12 point deduction, have been given the green light by the EFL to play their opening game against Wycombe.

The financially troubled club, who are also awaiting punishment for cancelling a league game at the end of last season, are in negotiations with the Football Ventures consortium over a takeover.

Bolton were working to the same 5pm deadline as Bury and the EFL statement said that: “The board has fully considered the club’s further submissions and is satisfied that they are sufficient to meet the requirements of the league subject to the completion of formal documentation.”

Gillingham are due to play Bolton at home on Saturday, August 31.

Earlier this summer Gills chairman spoke out about the financial gulf in English football and fears for the future of the lower leagues.

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