Wigan Athletic chairman Talal Al Hammad has apologised after players were not paid on time this month, saying ‘it simply cannot happen again’.
The Latics have been docked three points by the English Football League (EFL) in the Championship after the payment delays.
The club blamed liquidity issues while the players went on strike on Friday and did not turn up to training.
Wigan chairman Al Hammad has since revealed that the players have been paid before apologising to the fans and insisting it “would never happen again”.
In an open letter on the club’s website, he wrote: “Thank you for your incredible patience. Football clubs are driven by their fans and I have seen the passion and support you have shown this Club and our players.
“I am very conscious that the current uncertainty surrounding the club is not helpful and I hope this letter will add some clarity and transparency to the current situation.
“Firstly, I can now confirm our players wages have been paid.
“I can only apologise for the delay and the stress it’s caused the players and staff involved as well as you, the fans and wider stakeholders.
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“I think it is important to be as honest and open with you as possible. As the Club statement dated 10 March stated, we had a cash flow issue which caused the delay.
“This issue has now been resolved and I can assure you that the late payment of wages will not happen again. It simply cannot happen again.”
I appreciate you have heard that message from me before and as I said from day one and as you have rightly reminded me, “actions speak louder than words.” That is something I now must prove to you and I must rebuild trust with our players, staff and of course, you, the fans.”
Mal Brannigan has stood down as chief executive and Al Hammad added: “Mal has worked tremendously hard on leading this Club as Chief Executive through some of our darkest days.
“On behalf of the whole board and the Club, I want to truly thank him for his dedication and commitment to Wigan Athletic.”
Defender Steven Caulker was furious with the club and launched a scathing attack on LinkedIn.
He posted on Friday afternoon: “The lies us as players have been told by Wigan Athletic F.C. is absolutely scandalous.
“There may be reason for late payment once or twice, but for the boys to have experienced this 4 times this season is completely unacceptable.”