THE Football League have now been asked to intervene in a winding-up petition hearing against Dean Holdsworth’s Sports Shield BWFC.

Mr Registrar Briggs granted a two-week adjournment in the case at the Winders Court in London this morning at the EFL’s request.

Finance company Blu Marble Ltd are seeking to reclaim payment of a £5million loan taken out by Sports Shield BWFC in March 2016 to help buy the club from former owner Eddie Davies.

The loan is now in default and Sports Shield BWFC could face liquidation if a settlement is not reached. As Holdsworth’s company owns 37.5 per cent of the shares in Wanderers, this outcome could breach EFL regulations.

It is understood the EFL has been asked to look into a ‘specific matter’ by Blu Marble lawyers, which promoted the request of a two-week delay in the case. The league declined The Bolton News' offer to comment.

“We seek the court's indulgence for a further 14 days for the League to consider the proposals," said counsel Matthew McGhee at the brief hearing.

Wanderers chairman Ken Anderson expressed his disappointment at the delay, stating it would impact on the speed at which the club could emerge from a transfer embargo.

“Sports Shield BWFC’s (SSBWFC) Winding Up Petition hearing in the High Court today with Blu Marble was adjourned again for a further 14 days to enable the EFL to consider the several options put to them by Blu Marble lawyers,” he said on the club’s official website.

“Once again, l must emphasise that the hearing is not anything to do with the club. Neither the club or l have any control over this matter as it relates solely to SSBWFC, Dean Holdsworth and Blu Marble and not the club.

“I have, however, expressed the club’s preferred settlement option and this is now with the EFL for consideration. Hopefully, the issues will finally be resolved at the hearing on the August 21, until then neither the club or l will be making any further comment.”