Wigan Athletic Confirm Phoenix 2021 Takeover Completion

Wigan Athletic has announced that a takeover of the club has been completed, with Phoenix 2021 – a UK-based company owed by businessman Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi through his investment company Europa Point Investment Corporation (EPIC) – receiving EFL approval for the deal.

The League One club – who first entered administration in July 2020 – confirmed the deal, which will see Talal Al-Hammad serve as its new Chairman.

Phoenix 2021 Limited have also named Tom Markham and Oliver Gottmann as Non-Executive Directors on its Board, as well as Finance Director Richard Bramwell and club Chief Executive Malachy Brannigan.

Al-Hammad said: “This is the start of a new chapter in the history of Wigan Athletic. We feel extremely proud and happy at Phoenix 2021 Limited, in having completed the acquisition and I would like to congratulate Mr Al Jasmi and everyone who participated in completing this new and promising acquisition.

“Personally, I feel excited and happy to start this new challenge. When I read messages from the supporters, I automatically feel positive and optimistic about the club’s future. I thank all the fans who stood by the club, especially in the last nine months. Wigan Athletic fans are no different from a family standing together through thick and thin.

“All of the staff and players have gone to great lengths for this club despite the limited resources and tools in recent months. For the sacrifices of all the staff – not just the football staff – we are very thankful because they are the real heroes here. We can only thank them for all they have provided and for supporting the club in such circumstances.

“As a group, we have been looking forward to this day for what seems an eternity. The day has now come and I must thank the Wigan Athletic Official Supporters’ Club and Wigan Council for their excellent support. Our communication has been extremely encouraging, as has the dialogue with our local MP, Lisa Nandy. I would also like to place on record my thanks for the efforts of Rob Turner and his team at Brabners LLP.”

The move sees Wigan formally placed under new ownership and out of administration, which has also seen the EFL’s notice of withdrawal – issued as per the league’s insolvency policy – cancelled. 

EFL CEO Trevor Birch said: “This has undoubtedly been a challenging and difficult period for everyone connected to Wigan Athletic, particularly the management, players and staff who have had to endure the uncertain circumstances associated with going into administration during a global pandemic.

“We are pleased that matters have been finally resolved for the Club, its fan-base and the local Wigan community who can now look to the future with a renewed sense of optimism.

“Everyone at the EFL wishes the new ownership the very best of luck and looks forward to working with them for the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign and beyond.”