Wigan Athletic crowdfunder money refunded today

A total of £642,559 remains from the second supporters’ effort, which was to provide a backstop in the event takeover talks failed to reach a successful conclusion.

But with the future all of a sudden looking very bright under Phoenix 2021 Limited, that money will now be returned.

“With Wigan Athletic now looking forward to a new era under the ownership of Phoenix 2021 Ltd, we are pleased to confirm that the funds raised by our second crowdfunder are no longer required to save our football club,” read a Supporters Club statement.

“As such, your donations, totalling £642,559 will soon be refunded, with the refund process due to begin from 3pm on Monday, April 26.

“Refunds will be processed automatically, and managed by our partners at Crowdfunder and Stripe, so donors do not need to take any further action at this stage.

“Due to the unique nature and scale of the refund, the Crowdfunder team is unable to confirm the exact timescale within which your refunds will be processed and returned.

“However we will inform you as progress is made, and we will confirm when all transactions have been completed.

“After the refunds have been confirmed as complete, should you have any problems with your refund you may contact Crowdfunder directly by emailing [email protected] and their team will be happy to assist with any queries.”

There is also an opportunity for fans to ‘redonate’ their money, which will be put to ‘good causes that benefit the football club and the local community’.

“The Supporters Club has also received a number of requests from fans who would prefer their donations to be kept and used for good causes that benefit the football club and the local community,” the statement continued.

“For legal reasons, now the funds are no longer required to save the club, we are unable to retain any of the original donations.

“However, in response to your requests, we have also created a new Crowdfunder at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/laticsredonate – Supporters may use this new page to redonate your money should you wish.

“Any re-donations will be added to the original Crowdfunder total of £200,000, and the Supporters Club will ensure that all monies are donated to good causes relating to Wigan Athletic, projects in the community, or charitable causes in the local area (donations to the new crowdfunder project would be non-refundable, with no rewards or incentives offered).

“We will consult with supporters to ensure fans have insight and input into how the funds are used, and the projects that are supported.

“We’d again like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to each and every person who donated, spread the word about the campaigns, or simply supported and encouraged us on the journey.

“Your passion and determination to keep our club alive will never be forgotten. Up The Odds-Defying Tics!”