Salford Red Devils have been wound up following their HMRC hearing, bringing an end to the club’s 152-year history in its current form.
The company which owns the former rugby Superleague team, Salford City Reds (2013) Limited, was issued with a winding-up petition by HM Revenue and Customs in May, but had been granted four adjournments, with the court repeatedly granting them time to show proof of funds in order to pay off all of their creditors.
Alexander Bunzl, representing Salford City Reds, told the hearing back in October that “more than adequate” funding was due to become available so the matter could be “settled promptly.” However, no such funds have so far materialised.
The club was officially wound up on Wednesday afternoon (December 3) as Salford City Reds (2013) was ordered to be liquidated with debts believed to be around £4m in a hearing that lasted around one minute.
READ MORE: University of Salford honours tech entrepreneur former student behind UK’s first electric buses
The club was not represented in court. The ruling means the debts will be written off and Curtiz Brown and Sire Kailahi, who had become the faces of the club’s takeover, will no longer be owners of the club.
In a statement posted on social media, Salford Red Devils said: “We regret to inform stakeholders, supporters and partners that Salford Red Devils and its operating company, Salford City Reds (2013) Limited, have been subject to a winding-up petition filed by HMRC, and liquidation proceedings have now commenced.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and the uncertainty this creates for everyone connected with the club. For the original club staff that remained up until this point, this is an incredibly emotional moment.
“While there is sadness in seeing things come to this point, there is also a sense of relief that an extremely challenging period for the club has finally come to an end.
“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all the fans who have stood by us through everything. Your passion and loyalty have meant the world to us.
“More than anything, we hope that the club’s proud name and history can live on and continue to represent the people of Salford.”
