Blackpool to take on Wigan Athletic in League One next season after Latics lose points deduction appeal

It comes after the Latics' appeal against their 12-point deduction was unsuccessful, meaning they are relegated by a margin of two points.

Wigan appealed against the punishment on the grounds of 'force majeure', but an independent arbitration panel ruled against them, meaning Barnsley will stay in the Championship.

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

Force majeure events are usually defined as certain acts, events or circumstances beyond the control of the involved parties, such as natural disasters, war or a pandemic.

Wigan join Charlton Athletic and Hull City in dropping down to the third tier.

A statement from the EFL read: "An independent Arbitration panel has ruled that Wigan Athletic’s 12-point deduction for entering administration last month will stand after dismissing the club’s appeal against the sporting sanction.

"The insolvency event occurred on the 1 July 2020 and under EFL Regulation 12.3, the club was subject to a 12-point sanction; yet the timing of the deduction could only be determined once the final games of the season had been played.

"The reason for this approach was due to the administration taking place after the fourth Thursday in March.

"In such circumstances EFL Regulations state that, in the event a club is relegated by virtue of their final position following the conclusion of the league campaign, then the deduction would apply in the following season.

"As the club was not in the relegation places following the last round of Championship fixtures, the sanction was then applied to their 2019/20 total which resulted in a 23rd-placed finish.

"In cases of insolvency, the panel does not determine the timing of the sanction as it can in independent disciplinary proceedings.

"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."