Wigan Athletic Football Club Falls Into Administration
Wigan Athletic Football Club has announced it will call in administrators as of Wednesday 1 July 2020.
As a result of the EFL Championship club confirming they have entered into administration, they will be subject to a 12-point deduction which, in accordance with EFL Regulations, will be determined once the final league placings in the Championship are determined.
Speaking of the club’s decision, administrator Gerald Krasner, of Begbies Traynor, said: “Our immediate objectives are to ensure the club completes all its fixtures this season and to urgently find interested parties to save Wigan Athletic FC and the jobs of the people who work for the club.
“Obviously the suspension of the Championship season due to Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the recent fortunes of the club.
“Wigan Athletic has been a focal point and source of pride for the town since 1932 and anyone who is interested in buying this historic sporting institution should contact the joint administrators directly.”
If in the event the club, currently sitting in 14th place on 50 points, just 8 points above the Huddersfield Town in 22nd place, is relegated by virtue of their final position following the conclusion of the Championship season, then the points deduction will apply in League One in 2020/21.
However, if the club is not in the relegation places following the final game of season, the sanction will be then be applied to their season 2019/20 total and final league standings amended as appropriate.
Speaking of the club’s plight, DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight MP, called for football chiefs to show leadership, stating: “It is extremely disappointing to hear that Wigan Athletic has gone into administration and is looking for a buyer. It would be tragic if a club that has been in existence for nearly 90 years is forced to the wall.
“We know that 10-15 clubs could find themselves in the same position. What’s needed now is leadership from the very top of the pyramid to help save the Wigan side and the jobs of those who work for it.
“Yesterday the DCMS Committee sought clarification from Richard Masters at the Premier League on what action it was taking to provide extra money for clubs at risk – he told us that the EFL hadn’t asked for extra funding and the PL hadn’t provided it. That’s a situation that has to change.”
Images: PA Images
