Bury have been given hope of a lifeline by the EFL.

The Shakers, under controversial owner Steve Dale, were last week expelled from League One after the collapse of a takeover bid.

Supporter groups and politicians are trying to persuade the EFL to allow them back into the League next season.

They are hoping the club can be admitted to League Two for the 2020/21 campaign.

The EFL say it will consult with clubs over the idea, but stressed Bury would need to provide evidence of tis "financial viability".

Their board, which includes Carlisle co-owner John Nixon, issued a statement today.

It said: "In response to recent commentary about the future of Bury FC, the EFL board would like to provide clarification on a number of relevant points and address suggestions that the Club should be admitted to EFL League Two for the 2020-21 season.

"The EFL board reached the decision to withdraw Bury FC’s membership in accordance with the Articles of Association as adopted by the EFL and all member clubs.

"With regret, this action was taken in the absence of evidence of Bury FC’s ability to meet its financial commitments, whether by the current ownership or any other credible buyer for the club.

"Withdrawal of membership was a consequence of severe financial problems at Bury FC over an extended period of time, which had recently led to an insolvency event and a 12-point deduction.

"The board recognises the efforts being made by supporters’ groups, local authorities and political leaders and their desire for Bury FC to re-enter the EFL from the 2020-21 season.

"However, the only established procedure for entry to the EFL is through promotion from the National League as part of the wider football pyramid. There is no precedent for a club to enter the EFL directly through an application for admission or readmission following withdrawal of membership.

"In the current circumstances, the process by which a former EFL club would obtain re-entry to the league system in England is via an application to the Football Association.

"On consideration of that application, the FA would determine the appropriate League for entry, subject to them meeting the relevant entry requirements of that League.

"Notwithstanding the above, and in acknowledgement of the extreme nature of the problems at Bury FC, the EFL board had agreed it is appropriate to discuss the matter with member clubs. This is a complex situation that raises questions of due process, precedent and fairness as well as financial implications.

"The EFL will consult with its clubs over the coming weeks.

"Prior to formal consideration by any league competition of an eventual application from Bury FC to return to league football, clear evidence would be required of the club’s financial viability and its ability to fulfil its ongoing commitments."

The News & Star has invited Nixon to comment on the Bury situation and the recent crisis at Bolton in his capacity as an EFL board member.

The Carlisle director is League Two representative on the EFL board.

But a Blues spokesman said: "At this moment in time he is unable to comment because both situations are ongoing."

EFL executive chair Debbie Jevans last week gave interviews during which she said the body would "look at the regulations" to see if 'bad' owners could be prevented from controlling clubs in the future.

It also emerged today, meanwhile, that Greater Manchester Police have started a fraud inquiry into the cash crisis that led to Bury's expulsion from the EFL.