THE EFL have told Wanderers they must reschedule their postponed game against Brentford and fulfil next weekend’s fixture at Nottingham Forest, whatever it takes.

After first team players went on strike yesterday over pay, Bolton became the first club in league history to cancel a league game over industrial action.

But the EFL say they would have made Wanderers go through with the game had their Under-18s players not been involved in a match at Bristol City on Thursday.

Now they have warned Wanderers they must play the Brentford game as soon as possible, and ensure a team turns out at the City Ground next Sunday.

A statement read: “Following the decision to suspend the fixture between Bolton Wanderers and Brentford late on Friday evening, the EFL Board has determined that Bolton Wanderers must complete their two outstanding matches in the Sky Bet Championship.

“The club has been instructed to now make the appropriate arrangements for the rearrangement of Saturday’s game at the earliest opportunity.

“In issuing this directive, the board is aware that a number of the clubs’ professional players may not make themselves available but is satisfied that a team can be selected from the players they have registered and available to them.

“The EFL would have forced the club to play this weekend’s fixture had the under-18 team not been involved in a game on Thursday and the potential player welfare issues this could have created for the club in the longer term. This same issue will not reoccur as the club is able to plan the players’ preparation and recovery time accordingly.

“We deeply regret having to make the decision to suspend Saturday’s game and apologise for the inconvenience this will cause for all those involved, particularly the supporters of both Bolton Wanderers and Brentford.

“As stated yesterday, as a result of Bolton Wanderers not meeting its fixture obligations as per EFL Regulations, the Club will now be charged with misconduct and be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission.”

Laurence Bassini claimed on Friday night that he was willing to put in £1million to pay wages from his personal account as he continues his fight to take over the club.

The EFL say they will continue to work with him and Ken Anderson to find a solution – but hinted that more would be needed from both men if a deal is to be ratified.

“Finally, the current ownership difficulties at the club remain a significant concern for the EFL and we will look to work with both parties over the next week to bring all outstanding matters to a speedy conclusion,” the statement added.

“It should be recognised that the resolution is not in our hands but we will assist where possible, with the long term interests of Bolton Wanderers and its supporters, our priority.”