Several Wigan Athletic players are considering quitting the club as the situation worsens, according to reports this weekend.
Joe Bernstein of TheMailOnline says players are looking at leaving after failing to be paid on time for the sixth time.
Squad members are still waiting for wages due on the 2nd of June and serious discussions are being held within the group about claiming “persistent breach” of contract that, if upheld, would been they are free to move on.
According to FIFA regulations, Wigan’s players could rip up their contract if they give them notice and then still haven’t been paid after 15 days 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/ExGNghQ6H7
— The Second Tier (@secondtierpod) June 10, 2023
‘Not all footballers are millionaires. Some struggle to pay their mortgage and other bills when their salaries aren’t met,’ said a source, as per the report.
‘There is no point players trying to get out of their contracts during the season because the transfer window is shut. But now is the time to look at their options. They are extremely fed up and need some security.’
Wigan were relegated from the Championship and has already been deducted eight points for next season because they failed to deposit the funds required to cover their wage bill.
Bahrani owner Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi put the club on sale with a statement last week saying that they had reached a deal with businessman Sarbjot Johal, subject to EFL approval.
Players are concerned that until an official deal is confirmed, the club may become like Bury, who were kicked out of the EFL in 2019 because owner Steve Dale could not show enough money to pay for the club, its debts or complete a sale.
Wigan is also subject to a transfer embargo due to a tax dispute with HMRC.
The players are now seriously considering giving 14 days notice of breach of contract to the other parties as early as next week with the EFL’s Player-Related Dispute Commission (PRDC) to adjudicate if Wigan try to block them leaving.
The departures of club captain Tendayi Darikwa, Steven Caulker, Joe Bennett, Ryan Nyambe, Jordan Cousins and Gwion Edwards has left the Latics with 21 senior players, but rules do allow for “staffing up” so that every club has at least 23 players “of professional standing”, which means they can sign loan players and non-contracted players once the transfer window opens next week.
The current owners are currently taking legal advice about the imposition of the eight-point deduction, while also planning to reduce the club’s budget next season, by trimming the wage bill by 65% and relying more on youth players, report the BBC.
Wigan has had a turbulent time since being relegated to the Premier League in 2013.
In 2018, long-time owner Dave Whelan, sold his club to the Hong Kong-based IEC. In Covid, they entered administration. Joe Gelhardt and other prospects were sold in 2020 to help save them.
Al-Jasmi bought the club for 2021 and promised to “bring back glory days” but reports about financial difficulties and late payments have continued.
Defender Steven Caulker accused the owners of prioritising which players to pay first dependent on their market value for the Latics.
‘I might buy a football club next week,’ he said on social media. ‘Put my sponsorship all around the stadium, sign loads of players, promise the fans I am committed, and then when it comes to pay day, just pay 5 or 6 players who I think are an asset to the club.
‘Could you imagine? Again, my thoughts are with the good people of Wigan.’
Here’s what fans are saying while reports claim several Wigan players are considering quitting the club as the situation worsens…
@RichardJMason3: #wafc the gift that keeps giving. Not that long ago when #bwfc were on the verge of liquidation Wigan fans turned up at the Bolton ground to celebrate. The boot is on the other foot now and I hope those same fans remember that when they fold.
@RaeBruce1983: 🙏 #Shinnie
@CallumDowst: Come home Jack please
@dane_stringer: Have they got any players left on contract.
@DanielE64141682: Jacks coming home #pompey
@PWalton1987: Most of them are on contracts they’ll never get again in their career. The owners should be obligated to cover any loss of earnings if they do move on.
@bwfc_elliot: Been counting down the days
@MillwallTT: The fact that we lost to this shit show in the run in is completely unforgivable.
@Jordan98R: Would it surprise anyone if next week they paid the ‘assets’ and not the rest hoping they all walk part of me think that’s the plan #wafc
@joeh50: Hope they do. Solidarity with the players, get these fraud owners out now
@CallumHallett6: It’s brilliant when the #EFL do nothing about any of these problems are clubs. What happened when the FA said “we won’t let this happen to any club again” after bury and Macclesfield. Shambles
@KeironUTC: Looks like we’re potentially looking at another Bury… Gotta feel for every fan of #WAFC
@alfie1887: Possible to appeal?
@salopfr: Could be a few decent players going on a free
— Andrew Connell (@AndrewConnell73) June 10, 2023
Can’t be late paying wages if there’s no players to pay #wafc pic.twitter.com/uFljzMz5Cm
— Liam Cooper (@ItsLiamCooper) June 11, 2023
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