Wigan administrators to launch probe over relegation allegations

WIGAN ATHLETIC’S administrators have opened an investigation following allegations that the club’s entry into administration is linked to a bet on the team’s relegation from the Championship.

Gerald Krasner, of insolvency practitioners Begbies Traynor, has brought forward the probe after initially focusing on saving the club and completing the Championship season. But he has confirmed that a case has been opened into the takeover at the DW Stadium four weeks ago.

Wigan are 14th, seven points clear of the relegation places, and face a 12-point deduction as the new owners, Next Leader Fund, are refusing to put more money into the club, less than a month after taking control.

On Thursday, footage of Rick Parry, the English Football League chairman, emerged after he was secretly filmed with a Wigan fan discussing the club’s situation. The discussions included the speculation of an alleged wager on the club’s relegation from the Championship.

“There are all sorts of rumours,” Parry said. “There’s rumours that there is a bet in the Philippines on them being relegated.”

Krasner confirmed the allegations raised during Parry’s conversation would be looked into. (© Daily Telegraph, London)