WIGAN are trying to avoid an automatic three-point penalty after failing to pay players and staff on time.
The Championship strugglers missed the wage run for a fourth time this term but are due pay this week.
The Latics have a suspended sentence from their past offences and the EFL are monitoring the situation.
Chairman Talal Al Hammad had to pay a month’s money into an account in advance for salaries.
The players’ patience is thin but a points deduction will hurt their survival bid after the 3-0 loss at Burnley left them bottom.
Al Hammad was unavailable for comment and the EFL deflected enquiries.
Read More on Football
Vincent Kompany’s Championship highfliers extended their lead to 13 points from second-placed Sheffield United with their decisive victory over Wigan, who had Omar Rekik sent off early.
The Clarets sealed the three points at Turf Moor thanks to a brace by Nathan Tella and a goal by Lyle Foster.
Wigan boss Shaun Maloney spoke emotionally about his club’s cash crisis – and the nightmare caused by late wages.
Maloney was rocked by news that the wages were not paid to players, staff and club workers as he waits on news on when the Bahraini owners will find the funds.
Most read in Championship
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
The Latics chief said: “It’s been a difficult 48 hours. The preparations for the game were definitely affected, not just the players but the staff and the fans.
“It’s been an emotional couple of days. It’s a position I didn’t think we would be on or expected to be in.
“I’ve tried to build a culture with the group and staff. I have asked them to work hard. We have seen big improvements. In the last 48 hours that culture has taken a knock.
“It’s a big job to rebuild that in the short term. We are hoping it’s a short term situation.
“It’s a difficult and emotional moment for everyone but particularly the staff at the stadium and training ground. Those are the first people that are in the thoughts of every player I have spoken to.”
On the threat of the points deduction, Maloney added: “We will find out more in the coming days. We have to be realistic, we know what the sanction is.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
