Wigan to be sold to Chinese investors

Under the management of Paul Cook, Wigan triumphed in League One to earn promotion to the Sky Bet Championship ahead of next season, but are set to be under new ownership for their upcoming campaign.

The Whelan family have been the majority shareholders of the Latics for 22 years, but will be selling their entire shareholding depending on approval from the English Football League approval and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Chairman David Sharpe, grandson of Dave Whelan, made a statement on the family's behalf. He said: ''My family have owned the majority shareholding in Wigan Athletic Football Club since 1995.

''We are very proud of what we have achieved for the football club, our supporters, the town and the local community. After several months of discussions, negotiations and due diligence, we have now agreed, in principle, to transfer the entire shareholdings of Wigan Athletic Holdings Limited to International Entertainment Corporation (IEC).''

''It is important to confirm that this process, which has taken longer than expected, has now reached the next stage. Whilst we await formal approval and consent, which may take some time, the Whelan family will do whatever it can to support the business operations and IEC during this transition.''

''This continued support will ensure that the management team can lead the business during this important transition period which will include the summer player transfer window as the club and the first-team manager prepare for the exciting challenge of competing in the EFL Championship next season and beyond.''

Sharpe concluded his statement by saying: ''Stability and continuity in operations will allow the club to build on the achievements of this season and develop a strategy for future success.''