[themaclad]

Wigan lose their appeal against a 12 point deduction and are relegated

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Wigan's relegation to League One has been confirmed after they lost their appeal against a 12-point deduction for going into administration.

Wigan appealed against the punishment on the grounds of 'force majeure'.

But an independent arbitration panel ruled against them, meaning Barnsley will stay in the Championship.

The Latics went into administration on 1 July when their new Hong Kong-based owners conceded they could not support the club financially.

Force majeure events are usually defined as certain acts, events or circumstances beyond the control of the involved parties, such as natural disasters, war or a pandemic.

The timing of Wigan going into administration meant their penalty was applied following their 1-1 draw with Fulham on the final day of the season.

Without the punishment the Latics would have finished 13th in the table, but once the points were deducted they ended up second-from-bottom.

Wigan said: "The club put forward a strong case and naturally we are disappointed at the decision. The first-team management will now prepare the team for next season's League One campaign."

Assistant manager Leam Richardson will take charge of the team when they return to training next week after Saturday's resignation of boss Paul Cook.

In a statement, the English Football League added: "The decision of the arbitration panel is final and legally binding.

"The EFL will continue to engage with the administrators to provide its full support in all ongoing matters with the aim of achieving a long-term future for the club."

[St Charles Owl]

No real surprise here. The EFL need to look at their fit and proper tests for owners but aside from making sure the money is there I am not sure what else they can do.

[theo_luddite]

I thought that was supposed to be one of if not the first check they do. That said even if they have it you can't make 'em spend it.

[St Charles Owl]

I thought that was supposed to be one of if not the first check they do. That said even if they have it you can't make 'em spend it.

At the end of the day if a prospective owner shows proof of funds I am not sure what else the EFL can look at. Of course previous ownership's, criminal record etc but as you say you can't force them to spend the money and once they own it they can do as they please with it, in this case he put them into admin.

[themaclad]

Actually have sympathy for Wigan they have been shafted big time