Local MP James Grundy has called for an urgent inquiry into the ongoing financial troubles of Wigan Athletic Football Club (WAFC).
In a public letter to the EFL, Mr Grundy has called for a response on the fit and proper persons test and whether it is fit for purpose, due to the startling number of clubs being plunged into administration (Bolton and Bury being another two recent examples).
The Leigh MP has also echoed fans calls for the EFL to rescind the 12-point penalty imposed on the club until the inquiry is complete to avoid further financial hardship in the meantime.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for the Department of Media, Culture and Sport, Mr Grundy has also urged the Government to launch an urgent public enquiry into the EFL’s handling of the takeover of Wigan Athletic, as well as asking for Chris Matheson’s Ten Minute Rule Bill for the introduction of an Independent Football Regulator to be re-introduced into Parliament.
Speaking about the situation Mr Grundy said: “Despite the historic rivalry between the towns of Wigan and Leigh, a number of my constituents are lifelong fans of Wigan Athletic Football Club and are deeply concerned about the future of the club, as well as the EFL’s handling of the club’s recent takeover.
“I was shocked to learn that less than a month after being taken over by new owners the club entered administration and as a result 75 staff have already been made redundant and it is expected that 50% of the workforce may lose their jobs in the near future.
“This is yet another tragic example of the EFL’s fit and proper persons tests failing football clubs like Wigan Athletic, with Bolton and Bury also experiencing similar circumstances last year.
“Situations like these cannot be allowed to keep happening and it is clear that the EFL’s processes are failing local clubs like Wigan Athletic, which is why I am calling on both the EFL and Government to take urgent action to prevent situations like this from ever happening again.”