Wigan Athletic have been deducted three points with immediate effect for their failure to pay player salaries in March 2023.
Wigan owners, Phoenix 2021 Limited failed to pay the playing squad their wages earlier this month, which turn meant breaching terms of their Agreed Decision with the EFL made in January, and automaticaly activated a suspended sporting sanction of three points deduction.
In terms of Wigan’s league position, the points deduction ensures that the Latics remain rock-bottom but now eight points from safety, rather than their five-point deficit which they held after a 1-1 draw at Watford last weekend
This sanction also comes after Wigan previously were charged and sanctioned for their failure to adhere to terms set out in Standard Contracts that were in force between club and players across June – July and October 2022
2021 Phoenix Limited have also committed a further breach of their Agreed Decision, with failure to deposit an amount equal to 125% of its forecast monthly wage bill within a specific Club account, which had been a key term of their Agreed Decision to avoid further breaches of EFL regulations.
EFL consequently have issued new charges concerning the non-payment of player wages, plus failure to comply with their Agreed Decision.
2021 Phoenix Limited will also be charged for their misconduct, with the matter referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission for consideration.
Wigan responded to EFL’s statement with the following comment: “The Club notes the EFL statement and charge and will issue a further update on the current wage situation in due course.”
Wigan will next be in action on Saturday 1 April against QPR at home in a 3pm BST kick-off, as the Sky Bet Championship kicks off its run-in to conclude the season.
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