Wigan relegated from the Championship after losing appeal

Wigan Athletic have been relegated from the Championship after losing their appeal against a 12-point deduction for going into administration.

The Latics went into administration on July 1 when their new Hong Kong-based owners conceded they could not support the club financially.

Wigan had appealed against the punishment on the grounds of 'force majeure', which are usually defined as certain acts, events or circumstances beyond the control of the involved parties, such as natural disasters, war or a pandemic.

However, with the change of ownership happening in June, an independent arbitration panel ruled against them this afternoon.

Without the punishment the Latics would have finished 13th in the table, but the deduction means they ended up second-from-bottom, with Barnsley staying in the Championship.

A statement from Wigan, who saw manager Paul Cook resign three days ago, said: "The club put forward a strong case and naturally we are disappointed at the decision.

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

Meanwhile, a statement the English Football League added: "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."