What now for Wigan Athletic as brothers step back from Spanish bid?

The governing body last Friday released a statement confirming they were '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'.

That decision was welcomed by both Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and the Supporters Club, who voiced their intention to 'immediately move forward with the aim of progressing alternative solutions'.

However, the 'Preferred Bidders' have been swift in their response, resubmitting their bid without Jose Miguel Garrido Cristo - understood to be the person who caused the EFL to raise a red flag - AND his brother, who was one of the two Spain-based investors.

Both they and the admins believe the changes to the structure will be met favourably by the EFL, with Leganes owner Felipe Moreno remaining as the main figure and moneyman behind the scenes.

He would have to stump up the gap in funding - believed to be around £1million - but he has already passed the Owners and Directors (Fit and Proper Persons') Test, meaning an end could be in sight.

"As explained in the Statement, the EFL Board are not in a position to agree to an application to transfer the Club’s membership in the EFL to the proposed purchasers as the League’s requirements have not been satisfied," the admins confirmed in a statement.

"We have received a detailed letter from the EFL explaining the reasons why. We can confirm one member of the Bidding Team, that has been providing advisory services and was to provide a small proportion of funding, is subject to a Disqualifying Condition (as set out in EFL Regulations).

"By mutual consent, this member and all members of the Bidding Team related to this member have been removed from the process and from the Bidding Team. These changes have been reflected at Companies House over the weekend.

"The funds that were to be provided by these members are not to be utilised by the Club going forward.

"The remaining member of the Bidding Team, within the EFL submissions made to date, has already provided proof of funding to show sufficient funds for the acquisition and two years trading as required.

"We are continuing to work with the EFL and are in the process of providing revised submissions to reflect the revised position of the Bidder with the hope of bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion."

Latics fans woke on Monday morning to two 'terminations of appointment' being confirmed at the new AFC Wigan Athletic Limited - the company set up to take the club forward out of administration.

First up was the departure as director of Victoria Condratova, an accountant, who was only appointed on October 15 - around a fortnight after the administrators accepted the Spanish offer and passed it on to the EFL for rubber-stamping.

Also removed from the board was Antonio Garrido Papadopaulo - brother of Jose Miguel - who was originally appointed on October 4.

Taking their place on the board is Andrew James Clilverd, who is believed to have been earmarked for a major role in the club if they succeed in getting the green light from the EFL.

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