Championship club Wigan Athletic have gone into administration as a result of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Latics are currently 14th in the Championship table, eight points clear of the division's relegation zone.
However, having been placed into administration, they will be hit with a 12-point deduction, a total that would see them drop to the foot of the table.
The EFL have confirmed that if Wigan finish the season in the bottom three, the deduction will come into effect next season, although if they finish outside the relegation zone this term, the 12 points will be taken off their final tally for the 2019/20 campaign.
Paul Stanley, Gerald Krasner and Dean Watson from Begbies Traynor have been appointed as joint administrators for the DW Stadium outfit.
Mr Krasner said: "Our immediate objectives are to ensure the club completes all its fixtures this season and to urgently find interested parties to save Wigan Athletic FC and the jobs of the people who work for the club.
"Obviously the suspension of the Championship season due to Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the recent fortunes of the club.
"Wigan Athletic has been a focal point and source of pride for the town since 1932 and anyone who is interested in buying this historic sporting institution should contact the joint administrators directly."
An EFL statement read: "As a result of Wigan Athletic confirming they have entered into administration, the club will be subject to a 12-point deduction and, in accordance with EFL Regulations, the timing of the sporting sanction can only be determined once final league placings in the Championship are determined.
"If in the event the club is relegated by virtue of their final position following the conclusion of the Championship season, then the deduction will apply in League One in 2020/21.
"However, if the club is not in the relegation places following the final game of season, the sanction will be then be applied to their season 2019/20 total and final league standings amended as appropriate.
"The EFL is awaiting formal notification from the administrators and once the League has received this it will commence discussions with the relevant individuals with the aim of achieving a long-term future for the club."
Wigan become the first club in the EFL to be put into administration due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
