Sunderland's League One rivals Bolton hit with fine and suspended five-point penalty

The League One bottom side, who began the season on minus 12 points as punishment for going into administration, have also been fined £70,000.

Both the five-point penalty and half of the fine will be suspended for 18 months.

The rest of the punishments will only be activated if the club are subject to further misconduct charges for non-fulfilment of fixtures in that period.

A statement from the EFL read: "An independent disciplinary commission, appointed under EFL regulations, has ruled that Bolton Wanderers will be handed a sanction of five points, suspended for 18 months, and a financial penalty as a result of being deemed guilty of breaching EFL regulations in failing to meet its fixture obligations."

Bolton fell into financial difficulties before the end of last season, when they were in the Championship, and cancelled a game against Brentford.

They were then forced to postpone a game against Doncaster earlier this season as the club tried to complete a takeover.

The club were hit with a two-point deduction for the Brentford fixture and a three-point deduction for the Doncaster game, which is to be rearranged.

The fines of £20,000 and £50,000 are for the Brentford and Doncaster games respectively. The club have the right to appeal.

Bolton chairman Sharon Brittan said: "We acknowledge the decision made by the panel and are pleased that these matters, which occurred under the previous administrations of the club, have now been resolved."