WIGAN FACING THE DROP AFTER POINTS DEDUCTION

WIGAN will be handed a double punishment for failing to pay players this month which will effectively relegate them from the Championship and could leave them starting League One with minus points next season. Sportsmail has learned that the club will receive a three-point deduction applicable this season after failing to pay wages on time for the fourth time in 10 months, and will be charged by the EFL with another breach of their regulations.

It is understood that players and staff at the DW Stadium have still not been paid 10 days after the club described the delay as a ‘temporary matter’. Wigan will be punished twice as not paying players breaks EFL rules, and the club have also failed to abide by the terms of the negotiated settlement they reached with the EFL in January. That so-called ‘agreed decision’ stated a suspended three-point deduction would be activated if wages were paid late again before the end of 2023.

The Latics were late in paying wages in June, July and October last year and offered a range of excuses in mitigation, including the impact of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and problems with bank transfers. The three-point deduction will leave Wigan eight points adrift from safety at the bottom of the Championship with 10 matches remaining, having played a game more than many of their relegation rivals. With an additional disciplinary charge also pending that will be heard by an independent commission Wigan could yet be given another points deduction, although that sanction would not be applied until next season.