ONE of Oxford United’s third tier rivals next season have been handed a four-point deduction.

Wigan Athletic, who finished bottom of Sky Bet Championship after a three-point deduction in the 2022/23 season, will be docked four points for the upcoming campaign after failing to pay player wages on time this month.

The club has also received an additional four-point deduction, which is to be suspended until June 30, 2024.

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An EFL statement read: “That sanction will come into effect if the club’s owner, Mr Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi, fails to deposit an amount equal to 125 per cent of the club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated club account, a key term of the agreed decision reached between the EFL and the club in January, by Wednesday 24 May 2023.

“The suspended deduction will also be activated if the club fails to pay its players on time between now and the end of June 2024.”

Wigan themselves said in a statement: “Wigan Athletic accepts the sanctions from the EFL and intend to fully comply with the conditions.

“A detailed statement will be made public once owner Mr Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi adheres to the terms of the agreed decision and deposits an amount equal to 125 per cent of the club’s forecast monthly wage bill.”