Shock as West Yorkshire rugby league club 'placed into compulsory liquidation'

The crisis at Betfred Championship side Halifax Panthers comes weeks after Featherstone Rovers, who had earlier gone into administration, were excluded from this year’s competition. Salford Red Devils, a Super League outfit last year, were wound-up in December following an HMRC hearing. A new club was formed in time to enter this season’s Championship.

Panthers say their winding-up “relates to a long-running dispute with HMRC [HM Revenue and Customs], but is “not necessarily the end of the club”.

This evening’s (Monday) news is a huge setback for the sport, three rounds into the second-tier season and with Betfred Super League beginning this weekend. A statement from Halifax said: “Following today’s High Court hearing, Halifax Panthers has been placed into compulsory liquidation. We know this news will be very disappointing for our supporters, players, staff and sponsors. The winding-up relates to a long-running dispute with HMRC, and despite efforts to find a solution, we were unable to conclude a deal in time to prevent this outcome.

“As part of this process, the directors are no longer in control of the company and responsibility now passes to the Official Receiver, who will oversee the company’s affairs and determine the next steps. Discussions will now begin around the future of the club.

“Our focus is on working with all parties to secure the best possible outcome and a sustainable future for Halifax Panthers. This is not necessarily the end of the club and we will provide further updates as soon as we can.”

In response, the sport’s governing body released a brief statement which said: “The RFL is aware of the High Court’s decision surrounding Halifax Panthers. The board of the RFL will meet to consider all options this week.

“Our thoughts are with the players, coaches, club staff and fans that will be affected on hearing today’s news. A further update will be made in due course.”