Luton’s Championship opponents on Saturday, Wigan Athletic, have been slapped with a three-point deduction to be suspended until 31 December 2023 after admitting to multiple breaches of EFL regulations.
Town beat the Latics 2-1 in Tuesday’s FA Cup third-round replay with a last-gasp Elijah Adebayo winner and the two sides will do battle again at the DW Stadium at the weekend in the league, where Wigan are already propping up the division, four points from safety.
In a statement about the points deduction, the EFL said: ‘The sanction imposed is for failing to adhere to the terms of the standard contracts that were in force between the club and its players for the late payment of player wages on three separate occasions.
‘In addition, the club’s owner will also be required to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the forecast monthly wage bill in a designated club account, which may be called upon by the club should there be any future delays in processing payments.
‘The club will also be required to report on the operation of the account and to maintain it at appropriate levels until 31 December 2023.
‘The sanctions have been agreed by the Club in accordance with the terms of an ‘Agreed Decision’ which have formally been ratified by an Independent Disciplinary Commission Chair as per the requirements of EFL Regulations with the Club also paying associated costs.’
The Latics have also issued a statement to their fans about throwing objects at each other during Luton’s FA Cup replay victory on Tuesday after ‘a number of complaints from Latics fans regarding the throwing of objects in the East Stand towards fellow Wigan Athletic supporters during the game.’
The statement added: ‘Therefore from Saturday’s game with Luton Town onwards, steward checks will be in place across the DW to ensure that supporters are sat in correct seats, and to prioritise the safety of all supporters when inside the Stadium.
‘At the DW Stadium, the Club would also like to remind supporters that persistent standing is not permitted. As a Football Club, Wigan Athletic work under a safety certificate as an all-seater stadium, therefore standing for prolonged periods of time not only breaches ground regulations, but is a potential safety issue and can ruin the matchday experience for others.
‘Everyone attending, working or taking part in a football match has the right to feel safe and valued, and the Club encourages all supporters to continue to play their part.
‘The support that the Club and current ownership have seen in recent years has been magnificent, and realise that the actions of a minority do not reflect the whole Wigan Athletic fanbase.’
