ONLY three clubs will be relegated from Sky Bet League One this season if Bury miss their final deadline this week, the EFL has confirmed.

All the Shakers' matches this season have so far been suspended amid a deep financial crisis.

They have already been hit by a 12-point deduction, but will be expelled from the league if they fail to find a solution by this Friday.

Oxford United are scheduled to host Bury on Tuesday, October 22, before the return fixture on Tuesday, January 28.

In a statement, the EFL said: "The EFL Board continues to be frustrated at the lack of significant progress that has been made by Mr Dale (Bury's owner) in providing the information required.

"However, we will continue to work with the current ownership in an attempt to achieve a resolution ahead of the Notice of Withdrawal deadline of Friday 23 August.

"It remains in regular communication with Mr Dale but if a solution is not found by the deadline, the board will authorise the necessary share transfer on behalf of Bury FC which shall be legally binding on all parties and result, regretfully, in the club no longer being a member of the League.

"Should this happen, Bury’s record from the 2019/20 season would be expunged with League One consisting of 23 Clubs for the remainder of the campaign and the number of relegation places reduced to three at the conclusion of 2019/20 season.

"Four promotion places would remain from League Two ensuring a full complement of 24 teams in League One in 2020/21.

"Bury would then be free to make an application to the Football Association to re-join league competition further down the English football pyramid from season 2020/21."