EFL confirms Wigan Athletic takeover, with Hong Kong era and administration over

Bahrain-backed Phoenix 2021 takes control after nine months of administration hanging over beleaguered EFL League One side

‘This is the start of a new chapter in the history of Wigan Athletic,’ says new chairman Talal Al-Hammad

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Wigan Athletic fans wave flags before the start of the 2013 English FA Cup final against Manchester City. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:53am, 31 Mar 2021Updated: 5:43pm, 31 Mar 2021

Wigan Athletic fans finally breathed a sigh of relief after the club’s new ownership was confirmed on Tuesday by the English Football League, ending nine months of uncertainty after the club was put into administration following its sale by its former Hong Kong owners to a Chinese businessman.

The Latics announced that Bahrain-backed Phoenix 2021 Limited had been approved as new owners on their website, calling it a “historic day for Wigan Athletic”. A deal had been agreed earlier this month subject to approval by the league.

“The club is delighted to announce that Phoenix 2021 Limited has today become the new owner of Wigan Athletic Football Club. Phoenix 2021 Limited has now completed all of the technical information required and received confirmation that all matters associated with membership of the EFL have been concluded.”

Phoenix 2021 Limited is a UK-based company owned by Bahraini businessman Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi through his Europa Point Investment Corporation (EPIC) investment company.

Talal Al-Hammad, who is the new chairman of both Phoenix 2021 and the club, expressed his excitement at the takeover of the 2013 FA Cup winners in a statement.