Brian Simpson MEP asked questions of the company that runs the stadium after their unpopular decision to move Wigan Warriors' crucial play-off clash with Bradford to Widnes.

At the time Mr Simpson, a passionate Warriors fan, joined other supporters in voicing frustration at the move, made because Latic's Premier League fixture with Sunderland took place less than 24 hours later.

The decision was taken by Dave Whelan, owner of Wigan Football Company Ltd, which controls the stadium, and whose company Whelco Holdings Ltd owns a controlling 85% of the stadium company shares.

Wigan Council owns a 15% stake in the company, trading as the JJB Stadium, given it by Mr Whelan, and have the right to appoint a director to the board. But in eight years the board of directors has never met, although as a private company limited by shares the company constitution does not specify when meetings should take place.

Mr Simpson said: "I accept they are doing nothing illegal but it does seem strange to have a board of a company that has never met in eight years.

"I know that Wigan Council has requested, and has tried to get, board meetings a number of times without success."

Mr Simpson added: "How does the council look after the interests of council taxpayers, who own 15% of this company, when the board never
meets?"

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