Carlisle United co-owner John Nixon will have no say in the fate of troubled Macclesfield Town in his EFL role.

The Blues said a “clear conflict of interest” prevented Nixon taking part in discussions on potential penalties to one of United’s rivals.

Nixon represents League Two clubs on the EFL board.

United were asked, via thecumbrians.net forum as part of the Carlisle United Supporters’ Groups, whether he would have any input into Macclesfield’s appeal against the six-point deduction they received last December.

In response, Blues chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “Considering our position in the league, a ruling against Macclesfield could benefit us and I think that would present a conflict of interest.

“There is a clear conflict of interest with CUFC.

“Therefore on discussions and deliberations of [Macclesfield], penalties etc, [Nixon] does not participate, except to simply collect League Two views and pass them to the EFL.”

The Silkmen, who sit second-bottom of League Two - three places and nine points behind United - were docked six points after failing to fulfil their scheduled game against Crewe in December, with a further four points suspended.

Amid further financial issues, they were also charged with misconduct for failing to fulfil a game against Plymouth.

Both games have since been played. No punishment has yet been confirmed regarding the Plymouth game.

It was reported this week that the Professional Footballers' Association had contacted Macclesfield after wages were not paid on time for the fourth time this season.

Clibbens, meanwhile, said he voted in favour of proposals to change the composition of the EFL board at a recent meeting.

The recommendation of a governance review, to replace six club representatives on the League’s board with independent directors, was rejected by that board.

Clibbens said: “Although the proposal wasn’t accepted after the clubs voted against it – I voted to support the change.”

The United chief executive said the potential conflict of interest concerning any Nixon input into Macclesfield’s fate was an example of why the governance review considered more independent directors on the EFL board.

Clibbens, meanwhile, was asked by a fan what Nixon contributes at United.

He replied: “Since I joined the club, and [Nixon] stepped back, his role has not been in the day to day running of the club at 1921 [operational board] level.

“His role has been confined to provide advice and support for 1921, as well as company secretary admin duties.

“That probably amounts to circa three hours a week on club matters. That includes giving his input to the club about FA, EFL and [EFL] Trust matters. Which he has done throughout.”