Wigan Athletic poised to get new owners

Wigan Athletic are poised to get new owners, after the club said a deal in principle has been agreed - subject to EFL approval.

The Latics, who start next season in League 1, had been hit with a 4 point deduction in May after failing to pay the wages of players and staff on time.

An independent disciplinary commission required funds equal to 125 per cent of the club's forecast monthly wage bill to be paid into a nominated account by May 24, but that was not done, and the club have now been handed a further 4 point deduction. It means the club will start next season on minus 8 points.

Latics chair Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi posted a lengthy statement on the club's website shortly before the second points deduction was announced, addressing the problems with meeting the payroll on time.

"I want to confirm that an eight-figure sum is currently being processed and is due to land in the club account imminently. This funding will also ensure financial stability for June and the 2023/24 season," he wrote.

"It is important to address the numerous late wage payments. As I have previously stated, I recognise this is totally unacceptable. Since Phoenix 2021 acquired Wigan Athletic in 2021, the ownership group will have invested over £30m into the club to date."

In a statement on the club website, Wigan Athletic said: "A deal has been agreed in principle for the sale of Wigan Athletic Football Club to a prospective new buyer - subject to EFL approval.

The prospective new owners have committed to resolving all outstanding liabilities at the earliest opportunity.

Further updates on this process will follow in due course.

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.