Wigan Athletic fans launch petition to overturn 12-point deduction for going into administration

The petition, published on Change.org, echoes criticism of the English Football League (EFL) made in recent days by a number of high-profile figures including Wigan MP Lisa Nandy.

It says the governing body gave the green light to owners who just a few weeks later pulled out and plunged the club into administration.

That means the governing body bears responsibility for the club's current plight and it is wrong to implement a points deduction, it has been suggested.

Questions are now being asked as the money promised to the club did not appear.

The petition had gathered almost 700 signatures by mid-morning on Friday.

The 12-point deduction would have a major impact on Latics and it is currently unclear exactly when it would be implemented.

If Wigan Athletic finish in the relegation zone of the Championship the club would start next season in League One on -12 points.

However, if they manage to stay out of the bottom three this season the club would then have the 12 points taken off its total from this season.

The petition can be viewed and signed at change.org