Supporters Club will now seek 'alternative solutions to secure the future of Wigan Athletic'

The EFL met again on Thursday to discuss the merits of the bid, with the information being relayed to the administrators on Friday.

Most of the submission was to the governing body's satisfaction, but there was one element that caused an issue.

That is understood to relate to one individual and the Owners and Directors test.

And the Supporters Club - who stopped short of committing their £870,000 funds to the Spanish bid - say they will now seek to discuss ways forward with other interested parties.

"Wigan Athletic Supporters Club is aware of the announcement that the EFL have not approved the Spanish consortium for transfer of the club’s Football League membership," a statement read.

"We have been in communication with all of the relevant parties in this process and we respect the decision of the EFL, following a significant period of due diligence.

"Now we will immediately move forward with the aim of progressing alternative solutions to secure the future of Wigan Athletic.

"We are already aware of other interested parties who we understand are keen to speak with the administrators, and we will be encouraging the administrators and each of those interested parties to present their bids formally and work together in the best interests of the football club.

"The Supporters Club has also been continually working to finalise the “Supporters’ Solution”, which would create a position for the fans to lead the Football Club out of administration.

"This solution would be driven by the Supporters Club, using the supporters’ money raised through the crowdfunder and backed by other funding we are working to secure through partner investors.

"We will now look to progress these plans formally, with the aim of providing a safety net to ensure the club’s survival should other bids prove not to be viable.

"It’s beyond any doubt that 2020 has been the most difficult year for Wigan Athletic fans in the club’s history.

"We have shared your frustration, anger and despair at various stages of the year – but we remain focused on our responsibilities as custodians of the significant amount of money raised through supporters’ donations.

"Importantly, to our members and the Latics fan-base we’d like to say sorry that we haven’t been able to share information with you more often.

"The Supporters Club has been bound by legal agreements, and it has also been essential for us to avoid generating speculation or interference that could have adversely affected the process.

"In light of these latest announcements we will continue to work daily to gain further clarity on the position, and to ensure that every possible option is explored to secure the future of our club.

"We will not rest until a solution has been found."

The EFL released their own statement on Friday night to explain their decision.

“At its meeting on Thursday, the EFL Board received an update and fully considered the latest position in respect of the ongoing discussions relating to the sale of the assets of Wigan Athletic," read the EFL statement.

“The EFL has in recent weeks undertaken significant due diligence on the relevant parties in accordance with its Regulations and, based on the information that has been made available, the Board confirmed it was not in a position to agree to an application to transfer membership in the EFL to the proposed purchasers as the League’s requirements have not been satisfied.

“The Board reiterated its commitment to working with the Administrators to secure a successful and sustainable future for the Club and will meet with them to discuss the implications of this decision at the earliest opportunity.”

In the meantime, the exclusivity period will remain while the Spanish decide their next move.

"We don't think this is an insurmountable problem," said administrator Paul Stanley.

"It's up to the Spanish bidders now to tweak their application and come back."

A source close to the bidders has previously confirmed to Wigan Today they would wait 'as long as it takes' for a successful resolution.

Meanwhile, the administrators have confirmed Latics will receive £375,000 from the EFL via the Premier League's ‘rescue package’.

They are also eligible for another solidarity payment from the governing body, which will see them safe into the new year.

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