How Wigan failed in an appeal against 12-point deduction and relegation to League One

How Wigan failed in an appeal against 12-point deduction and relegation to League One

Wigan Athletic will be playing in League One next season after failing in their appeal against a 12-point deduction for entering administration.

It means Barnsley retain their Championship status, the virtue of their final-day win over promotion-chasing Brentford.

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

“The decision of the Arbitration panel is final and legally binding.”

The Latics would have comfortably stayed up had they not been docked points after an impressive run of form following the turn of the year.

They would have finished on 59 points, enough for 13th place, but will instead be playing in the third tier next term, along with Charlton and Hull.

Manager Paul Cook has already departed the club following their final-day draw against Fulham.

Wigan had led in the game, and victory would have seen them stay up, regardless of their points deduction, at the expense of Barnsley.

Sheffield Wednesday have also been deducted 12 points, but for financial irregularities relating to profitability and sustainability regulations, rather than for entering administration.

The Owls’ deduction will take effect from next season, meaning they will start the Championship campaign on -12, rather than being relegated to League One.

Had the deduction been imposed this season, Charlton would have stayed up.

The Addicks are set to launch a legal challenge and are said to have the support of eight other second-tier clubs.