Wigan Athletic entered administration on Wednesday just four weeks after a sale and takeover of the club was completed between two Hong Kong-based companies.
Paul Cook’s side are 14th in the Championship, seven points above the relegation zone but the club is now facing the possibility of a 12-point deduction.
The saga took another twist though when The Independent reported that EFL chairman, Rick Parry was secretly filmed discussing speculation that the club’s administration is linked to "a bet in the Philippines on them being relegated".
Parry cannot be seen in the video, but the EFL confirmed in a statement that their chairman was covertly filmed while speaking with a Wigan fan.
“The EFL is aware of a video of its chairman posted on social media this evening that discusses recent developments at Wigan Athletic," the statement read.
“It was part of a much wider and impromptu discussion he was having with a Wigan supporter he does not know but who lives in the same area.
“The private conversation focused around the events of the last 24-48 hours, how the EFL can assist and what happens next. The various rumours and reports that have been circulating throughout today were also discussed.
“Whilst the chairman was unaware he was being filmed, he was happy to engage in the debate and appreciates this is a concerning and challenging time for all those associated with the club.”
Paul Stanley, Gerald Krasner and Dean Watson from Begbies Traynor had been appointed as joint administrators of the club on Wednesday.
"We understand that everybody connected with the club and the wider football world is seeking clarity on the future of Wigan Athletic,” Stanley said.
"That's exactly what we are seeking to provide as we move through this process and we seek out interested parties to rescue this famous old club here in the region,” he added.
Krasner said the administrator’s “immediate objectives are to ensure the club completes all its fixtures this season and to urgently find interested parties to save Wigan Athletic FC and the jobs of the people who work for the club.”
The club’s troubles have heightened fears that other clubs may soon join them as the financial impact of the COVID crisis takes hold.
Remarkably Wigan are the form team in the Championship at the moment, unbeaten in nine matches, and have not conceded a goal in their last seven games, winning six of them.
They were in the relegation places at the end of February, but their stunning recent form has seen them rise up the table.
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