GERALD KRASNER, the administrator in charge of Wigan Athletic, says the club's appeal against their 12-point deduction will be heard on July 31.

As expected, there is no prospect of a verdict being announced ahead of this evening's final round of Championship matches.

Wigan will formally be docked 12 points as soon as the final whistle is blown on tonight's games.

There is a still a chance the Latics could be relegated because of the penalty, but the club have lodged an appeal against the EFL's decision to fine them 12 points.

According to Krasner, the independent appeal will be heard at the end of this month.

Win or lose the club, Wigan will have to meet the legal costs on all sides under EFL rules, which Krasner estimates at up to £500,000.

Krasner said: "To football supporters everywhere, one day your football club could face this.

"The rules of natural justice tell me that this isn't right. I don't blame the Football League, these rules were approved by the football chairmen of clubs in all the divisions and it's about time the whole situation was looked at to make it a fairer process."

Krasner said there were five offers for Wigan in total from 64 non-disclosure agreements sent out, and a preferred bidder has been selected.

"The bid we have chosen represents the best bid for the creditors for the company and for Wigan as a football club," he said.