Football club served with winding up order

Date published: 24 September 2009

Rochdale Football Club has been served with a winding up order by HM Revenue and Customs.

The club was listed in the Companies Court Winding Up List yesterday (Wednesday 23 September).

The club has moved to assure concerned supporters and stakeholders 'that it is business as usual at Spotland Stadium' and that matters relating to the court listing 'have been dealt with by club officials'.

A spokesperson for the club said: "The winding up order was issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) back in July while discussions between HMRC and club officials were on going. These discussions have continued throughout the summer to the point whereby the club believes it has satisfied the requirements of HMRC.

"Club officials believe that they have been honest and open with supporters and shareholders and have gone on record as stating that this summer has been one of the most difficult summers in recent times with the "credit crunch" affecting our business just like most others.

"Although discussions have been ongoing with HMRC, unfortunately the club were unable to make a number of previously agreed payments to HMRC due to cashflow problems and consequently HMRC took the decision to issue winding up proceedings in July.

"Club officials have continued negotiations with HMRC officials and as a result of those negotiations and payments being made, the club made an informal agreement with HMRC. As part of that agreement the club applied for a postponement of the hearing on the 23 September 2009 and HMRC assured the club that they would not oppose that application.

"Although the petition was listed for hearing the club believes that the adjournment would be granted as it would be not be contested by HMRC who have been satisfied with the payments made and the arrangements for future payments.

"At the Football League AGM in June 2009 new regulations were passed whereby any club with an outstanding PAYE debt to HMRC had a period of time in which to conclude a "Time to Pay Agreement", and keep current PAYE payments up to date, failure to comply with the new regulations could lead to a registration embargo. Rochdale Football Club has at no time been subject to such embargo by the Football League and this is confirmed by the recent extension of the loan of Dale Stephens and the loan of Simon Whaley."