RFL issue statement as Halifax Panthers membership removed
Halifax Panthers have had their Rugby Football League membership removed two days after the club was placed into compulsory liquidation.
Sunday’s home Betfred Championship fixture against Sheffield Eagles has been “postponed”, but the RFL say they are working with “interested parties” to preserve professional rugby league in the town. Panthers’ rivals Featherstone Rovers were denied RFL membership and excluded from this season’s Championship a month ago, after going into administration in December.
Salford Red Devils were wound-up the same month, following an HMRC [HM Revenue and Customs] hearing, but a new club was established in time for them to compete in the second-tier.
An RFL statement today (Wednesday) said: “The Rugby Football League can confirm Halifax Panthers have today had their RFL Membership removed. The club was placed into compulsory liquidation in a High Court hearing on Monday.
“Halifax’s home fixture with Sheffield Eagles on Sunday has been postponed. The RFL is committed to preserving professional rugby league in the town and will continue working with interested parties to fulfil this.”
Panthers are two games into their Championship campaign, having lost away to Doncaster and beaten Batley Bulldogs at the Shay and could return to the competition this year if a new company is established and given RFL approval.