Wigan have failed in an appeal to get a 12-point deduction for going into administration overturned meaning they will be playing League One football next season.

The Latics appealed against the points deduction handed down after going in to administration in July which the EFL imposed after the final game of the season.

That saw Wigan drop from 13th to 23rd and were subsequently relegated, pending the appeal.

The decision will see Barnsley remain in the Championship, with the final spot in the division to be decided when Brentford and Fulham meet in tonight’s play-off final.

An EFL statement confirmed: "An independent Arbitration panel has ruled that Wigan Athletic's 12-point deduction for entering administration last month will stand after dismissing the club's appeal against the sporting sanction.

"The decision of the Arbitration panel is final and legally binding.

"The reason for this approach was due to the administration taking place after the fourth Thursday in March.

"In such circumstances EFL Regulations state that, in the event a club is relegated by virtue of their final position following the conclusion of the league campaign, then the deduction would apply in the following season.

"As the club was not in the relegation places following the last round of Championship fixtures, the sanction was then applied to their 2019/20 total which resulted in a 23rd-placed finish.

"In cases of insolvency, the panel does not determine the timing of the sanction as it can in independent disciplinary proceedings."

The appeal was held on Friday where, in a five-point statement, it was revealed that one of the administrators, Gerald Krasner, held an hour-long video meeting with Wigan owner Au Yeung Wai Kay as part of their investigation into the club's situation.

Wigan will now look to secure a new buyer for the club, as well as a new manager following the decision of Paul Cook to stand down at the weekend after three years in charge.

A club statement read: "The Independent Disciplinary Commission has deliberated over the last few days on the evidence presented at Friday’s appeal against the 12-point deduction.

"The Independent Disciplinary Commission has ruled that the appeal has not been successful.

"The club put forward a strong case and naturally we are disappointed at the decision.

"The first team management will now prepare the team for next season’s Sky Bet League One campaign."