Wigan Athletic points appeal decision revealed

The result means Latics will be relegated to League One by a margin of two points.

Latics did everything they could to fight the punishment imposed by the EFL, including a £500,000 legal case headed by respected QC David Phillips.

However, the decision has gone against them - and is the latest blow to a club reeling from the effects of a disastrous recent change of ownership.

Wigan MP Lisa Nandy was quick to voice her feelings on the matter.

She tweeted: "The EFL decision is just the latest in a long line of wrongs done to @LaticsOfficial, the fans and our town.

"It’s yet another blow that we did not deserve - but we now know where we are and the focus must be on securing our long term future.

"We will rise again #wafc #Believe"

Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovergue tweeted: "This is desperately disappointing news in a long line of poor decisions by the league."

Latics themselves put out a short statement expressing 'disappointment' at the result.

""The club put forward a strong case and naturally we are disappointed at the decision," it read.

"The first team management will now prepare the team for next season’s League One campaign."

The EFL put out their own statement to explain the decision.

It read: "An independent Arbitration panel has ruled that Wigan Athletic’s 12-point deduction for entering administration last month will stand after dismissing the club’s appeal against the sporting sanction.

"The insolvency event occurred on the 1 July 2020 and under EFL Regulation 12.3, the club was subject to a 12-point sanction; yet the timing of the deduction could only be determined once the final games of the season had been played.

"The reason for this approach was due to the administration taking place after the fourth Thursday in March.

"In such circumstances EFL Regulations state that, in the event a club is relegated by virtue of their final position following the conclusion of the league campaign, then the deduction would apply in the following season.

"As the club was not in the relegation places following the last round of Championship fixtures, the sanction was then applied to their 2019/20 total which resulted in a 23rd-placed finish.

"In cases of insolvency, the panel does not determine the timing of the sanction as it can in independent disciplinary proceedings.

"The decision of the arbitration panel is final and legally binding.

"The EFL will continue to engage with the Administrators to provide its full support in all ongoing matters with the aim of achieving a long-term future for the club."

The appeal was held on Friday where, in a five-point statement, it was revealed that one of the administrators, Gerald Krasner, held an hour-long video meeting with Wigan owner Au Yeung Wai Kay as part of their investigation into the club's situation.

Joint administrators Krasner and Paul Stanley both gave witness statements and were cross-examined by the tribunal.

It was also revealed that "detailed talks" with bidders over the sale of the club were to continue this week. Boss Paul Cook quit last week.