Controversial Wigan owner Dave Whelan has has announced his retirement with immediate effect.
The Latics say Whelan’s grandson, David Sharpe, will be formally elected as the club's new chairman shortly.
“The time has now come to hand over the reins," Whelan said in a statement on Wigan's website.
"I am approaching 80 years old and spend an increasingly long time abroad, and cannot make it to games.
"It is a decision I have been mulling over for some years and I believe David is now ready.
“Contrary to some suggestions, there are no plans to sell the club, which will remain in family hands."
Dave Whelan resigns to spend more time with all his Jewish and Chinese friends
— Ian Prior (@ianprior) March 3, 2015
Whelan's 20 years at the helm saw the club make a spectacular rise from the fourth tier to the Premier League, before they were relegated in 2013 to the Championship - where they currently lie 23rd.
That relegation was bitter-sweet as they won their only major trophy - the FA Cup - the same summer.
Back in December, Whelan was banned from football-related activity for six weeks and fined £50,000 for making racist comments after accepting an FA charge.
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