Former Leeds United chief hints at Wigan Athletic appeal over points deduction

Krasner, a joint administrator from Begbies Traynor, has said he will also be contacting former Wigan owner Dave Whelan to see if he can help.

The Latics are facing a 12-point deduction for entering administration, although when that sanction is applied depends on whether the

club can achieve survival on the pitch.

What happens will be of great interest to Yorkshire clubs Barnsley, Hull City, Middlesbrough and Huddersfield Town, who are all embroiled in the relegation battle.

Krasner said he had already appraised Latics manager Paul Cook of the situation and said he would not interfere in team matters.

The club are 14th at present with six games to go. If they finish outside the bottom three then the 12-point deduction - if not appealed - would apply to the 2019-20 table. If they are relegated, the deduction would apply at the start of their 2020-21 League One campaign.

Krasner did not rule out the possibility of an appeal, stating: “There are rights of appeal in unusual circumstances, it’s called force majeure.

“I’ve not yet had the letter from the Football League, I’ve seen what they have said publicly, but until I’ve seen the letter and consider it with my lawyers I’m not sure how we’re going to deal with this and I couldn’t possibly tell you today what’s going to happen.”

He does anticipate other clubs in the EFL encountering similar problems to Wigan.

“It’s my personal view that there a number of clubs in the lower divisions, Leagues One or Two, that may not survive by coming back, and there is possibly at least one more Championship club that may seriously be thinking about doing the same (as Wigan),” he said.

Wigan are the first club to go into administration since the suspension of English football due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Krasner was able to offer fans of the club some hope.

“I am pleased to say that since yesterday I have had 10 different people email me asking for non-disclosure agreements which shows there is interest out there to acquire the club but the proof of the pudding is when it comes to writing the cheque,” said Kranser.

“There’s only a month to go until the end of the season. We only got involved yesterday and we are looking through the cash flows as we speak.

“We don’t have an exact figure (of the money needed) but what I can tell you is we will cover the costs of getting through the matches and making sure they are played because unless we finish the season there is no hope of saving this club.

“We are doing our very best. I have been involved with clubs before and we have never lost one. I would say to the fans to keep faith, we are doing our best to make sure you have got a club to watch next season.”

Former owner Whelan, who sold the club in November 2018, has said he will see if he can do anything to help.

Kranser added: “I shall be contacting Mr Whelan as soon as possible to see what we can do together and I would ask anyone who wants to help on this to to contact me as soon as possible.”