EFL confirms takeover of Wigan Athletic by new owners as club exits administration

A long-running sale saga comes to an end and the League One club can look to rebuild

The League One club will hope for improved fortunes (Getty Images)

The takeover of Wigan Athletic has been completed, the Football League has confirmed, with a transfer of assets and ownership to Phoenix 2021 Limited.

A short statement from the EFL said all business has now been completed to “formally place the Club under new ownership”, allowing the Latics to move on from being in administration since July last year.

Phoenix 2021 Limited is a Bahrain-funded group, led by businessman Tamal Mubarak Al-Hammad.

The EFL statement continued:

“Following the completion of the transfer of assets to Phoenix 21 alongside the new ownership and management team meeting the requirements of EFL Regulations, the Club is no longer in administration and the notice of withdrawal, issued as per the EFL’s insolvency policy, has been cancelled.

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“We are pleased that matters have been finally resolved for the Club, its fan-base and the local Wigan community who can now look to the future with a renewed sense of optimism.”

The administrators praised club staff, as well as supporters who donated money early on during the administrative process to keep the company afloat, paying salaries and completing the season.

A statement on the club website from the incoming chairman Mr. Talal Al-Hammad said:

“This is the start of a new chapter in the history of Wigan Athletic. We feel extremely proud and happy at Phoenix 2021 Limited, in having completed the acquisition and I would like to congratulate Mr. Al Jasmi and everyone who participated in completing this new and promising acquisition.

“Personally, I feel excited and happy to start this new challenge. When I read messages from the supporters, I automatically feel positive and optimistic about the club’s future. I thank all the fans who stood by the club, especially in the last nine months. Wigan Athletic fans are no different from a family standing together through thick and thin.”

Wigan were relegated from the Championship last season after being hit with a 15-point deduction.

They currently sit 22nd in League One, though are just one point from safety with a game in hand on some teams above them as they bid to avoid the drop for a second successive season.