WIGAN RELEGATED AFTER APPEAL FAILS –
WIGAN ATHLETIC have had their relegation to League One confirmed after losing an appeal against a 12-point deduction for going into administration. The crisis club had argued the Covid-19 pandemic led to a force majeure — unforeseen circumstances — which triggered the decision by their Hong Kong-based owner to pull his funding. They enlisted a QC to fight their case but an independent arbitration panel ruled yesterday that the punishment would stand. The verdict means one of the club’s biggest assets, United States full back Antonee Robinson, can now move for around £1.9m. The 22–year-old had been close to a £6m-plus switch to AC Milan on transfer deadline day, which fell through after he failed a medical. Championship rivals Barnsley had threatened legal action if Wigan were successful, given they would have been relegated instead. Wigan insiders say the feeling at the club is that they received a fair hearing, but they are ‘gutted’ about the verdict. ‘The players performed admirably to finish mid-table in the Championship and now a lot of them will end up on half the money in League One through no fault of their own,’ a source close to the situation explained. Going into administration triggers an automatic 12-point penalty which is applied to the current season. Sheffield Wednesday were docked 12 points for breaking spending rules. That will be applied next season because the independent panel in their case had the issue at their discretion. The move may speed up a takeover of Wigan, who remain in administration. It provides clarity to potential bidders about what outgoings they will face should they complete a deal. It is understood that some of the interested parties preferred to see the club in League One thanks to the smaller level of outgoings. ‘The decision of the arbitration panel is final and legally binding,’ an EFL spokesperson said. ‘The EFL will continue to engage with the administrators to provide its full support in all matters with the aim of achieving a long-term future for the club.’