Wigan administrators probe Rick Parry comments linking club’s plight to ‘bet in the Philippines’

Wigan are 14th in the table, seven points from the drop zone but facing a 12-point deduction
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Wigan Athletic's administrators say they will investigate extraordinary comments by EFL chairman Rick Parry that the club's predicament is linked to "a bet in the Philippines on them being relegated".

In a secretly-filmed video clip, posted to social media on Thursday night, Parry is heard telling a member of the public about a rumour relating to Wigan's administration, which could see them relegated from the Championship.

Parry, who was said to be unaware he was being filmed, told the man: "There are all sorts of rumours. There are rumours that there is a bet in the Philippines on them being relegated because the previous owner has got gambling interests in the Philippines."

The Latics are 14th in the table, seven points from the drop zone but facing a 12-point deduction, which will apply in League One if they are automatically relegated.

International Entertainment Corporation, fronted by professional poker player Stanley Choi, sold their stake in the club for £17.5million last month to another Hong Kong-based company, which was also majority-owned by Choi.

Gerald Krasner of Begbies Traynor, who is one of the stricken club's joint administrators, says the conduct of Wigan's directors and their associates will be investigation once a new buyer has been found.

“Our responsibility is to find a buyer and a solution that keeps Wigan Athletic in business," Krasner told Standard Sport. "Once the club is sold however we will be investigating all appropriate matters that relate to the conduct of the club’s directors or their associates."

The EFL confirmed the video of Parry was legitimate but said it was part of a wider conversation with a Wigan fan who lives locally to the 65-year-old.

An EFL spokesperson said: “The EFL is aware of a video of its Chairman posted on social media this evening that discusses recent developments at Wigan Athletic.

"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.

EFL chairman: Rick Parry
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"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."

Wigan's players were reportedly told on Friday that they would not be paid their monthly wages, although the administrators declined to comment ahead of releasing planned statement for Monday.

The Latics, who face promotion-pushing Brentford on Saturday, have not conceded a goal since February 15 and have won three on the bounce since the restart, scoring seven.

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