In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the EFL Championship, Wigan Athletic‘s players have finally received their overdue wages. This resolution comes after the squad took the extraordinary step of releasing a public statement condemning the club’s ownership for what they called a profound “disrespect,” a story first brought to light by the team at Baji999. While the immediate financial crisis has been averted, serious questions linger about the long-term stability and future of this historic club.
The Latics’ squad broke their silence on Friday afternoon with a powerful missive, revealing that their salaries were “two weeks overdue” and lambasting the ownership for providing “inaccurate information on numerous occasions” about when the payments would arrive. This was not an isolated incident but part of a deeply troubling pattern that has defined their season.
A Recurring Nightmare at the DW Stadium
For the players and staff at Wigan Athletic, late payments have become a grim and predictable routine. This recent delay marks the fifth time in the current campaign that wages have not arrived on the scheduled date, creating an atmosphere of immense financial insecurity and anxiety. The club had already been penalized by the EFL earlier in March, receiving a devastating three-point deduction for failing to pay players—the fourth such breach in just nine months.
This points deduction was the activation of a suspended penalty from an agreement made with the EFL in January, a clear sign that the league had lost patience with the club’s financial mismanagement. The deduction has had severe sporting consequences, effectively leaving Wigan eight points adrift of safety with a mere six matches left to play, making their Championship survival an almost impossible task.
The Players Take a Stand
The decision by the Wigan squad to go public was a measure of last resort, highlighting the severity of the situation. Their statement was notable not just for its frustration but for its solidarity with all employees. “This isn’t just about the players,” they wrote, “this is about the financial security and wellbeing of every member of our WAFC family that work at the club.”
They powerfully connected the club’s identity to its community, stating, “Wigan is a working class town that prides itself on hard work, integrity and sticking together as a community. We need the owners of the club to show this commitment and respect to the staff and the fans.” This move from private grievance to public condemnation ultimately forced the hand of the ownership.
Ownership Response and Broken Promises
Under intense pressure, Wigan chairman Talal Al Hammad issued an apology, confirming the wages had been paid and attributing the delay to a “cash flow issue.” He stated, “I can assure you that the late payment of wages will not happen again. It simply cannot happen again.”
However, as the players’ statement pointedly noted, this is a promise the ownership has made before. Their plea that “actions speak louder than words” underscores a complete erosion of trust between the dressing room and the boardroom. The EFL has also taken further action, issuing new charges against the club for this latest breach of regulations and for failing to comply with the previous agreed decision, including the owner’s failure to deposit 125% of the forecast monthly wage bill into a designated account as mandated.
Expert Analysis from Baji999
The situation at Wigan is a classic case of a club suffering from severe financial instability under foreign ownership. Bahraini businessman Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi fronted the takeover in 2021, rescuing the club from administration but now presiding over a new crisis. Our analysis at Baji999 suggests that these recurring payment issues point to deeper structural problems within the ownership’s funding model and cash flow management.
The human cost is immense. Beyond the players, countless staff members—from groundskeepers to administrative workers—face uncertainty, affecting morale and the very day-to-day operations of the club. This environment makes it incredibly difficult for manager Shaun Maloney to prepare his team for the daunting relegation battle ahead, as focus is inevitably shifted from tactics to financial survival.
What Does the Future Hold for The Latics?
While the immediate crisis has been resolved, the long-term future of Wigan Athletic remains shrouded in doubt. The new charges from the EFL could result in further punitive measures, including additional points deductions that would hamper not just this season’s efforts but next season’s as well, likely in League One.
The ownership, led by Talal Al Hammad, now faces the monumental task of rebuilding trust. This goes beyond mere apologies; it requires transparent communication, demonstrable financial stability, and a clear plan to ensure the club meets its obligations. The fans and the town of Wigan, who have endured administration and multiple relegations in recent years, deserve nothing less.
Baji999 Report: Wigan Players Paid Amid Wage Row, But Club’s Underlying Troubles Persist
The resolution of Wigan’s latest wage crisis is a temporary fix, not a long-term solution. The players’ brave decision to speak out has secured their pay for now, but the underlying issues at the DW Stadium persist. The club is trapped in a vicious cycle of financial breaches and sporting penalties, with trust at an all-time low. The journey to stability is long, and it begins with the owners proving through consistent action that the club and its community are truly valued. For the latest in-depth analysis on this developing story and more from the world of football, stay with Baji999.
What are your thoughts on the situation at Wigan? Do you believe the owners can regain the trust of the players and fans? Share your opinions in the comments below.
