Virus fallout: Wigan Athletic on verge of bankruptcy

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - UK football club Wigan Athletic have gone into administration, becoming the first English professional club to do so since the coronavirus pandemic, local media reported on Wednesday.

This means the club can no longer pay its bills, and entered bankruptcy protection, primarily due to the financial impact of the outbreak.

Hence, joint administrators have been appointed to manage the club, according to BBC Sport.

Meanwhile, the English Football League said the second-division club will face point deduction.

"As a result of Wigan Athletic confirming they have entered into administration, the club will be subject to a 12-point deduction and, in accordance with EFL Regulations, the timing of the sporting sanction can only be determined once final league placings in the Championship are determined," the EFL said in a statement.

Wigan Athletic were on the 14th spot with 50 points in the league of 24 clubs.

The 2019-20 season resumed on June 20 following the lifting of virus restrictions.

Founded in 1932, the club won the 2013 FA Cup, its sole title.