HMRC halt Pompey pursuit

No further challenges to be made over administrator appointment

Last updated: 11th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

HMRC halt Pompey pursuit

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Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs have agreed to halt their aggressive pursuit of Portsmouth through the High Court.

Officials from HMRC have written to Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou and assured him that they will not further challenge his appointment as administrator.

A spokesman for HMRC said, in a statement: "Despite HMRC continuing to have a number of remaining questions and concerns around the relationships of various parties, and a lack of detail of financial affairs, HMRC has now advised the administrators that we will no longer challenge the validity of the administrator's appointment.

"This comes in light of the additional material now provided following the judge's directions of 2 March 2010.

"HMRC would expect that now that the issue of validity is no longer in question, the administrator will be able to make early and real progress with the administration in order to get the best and most equitable return for all creditors."

Sources have told Sky Sports News' chief news reporter Bryan Swanson that HMRC are "still not happy" but they "do not see any benefit in continuing an expensive, long-running, legal protest against the club".

Both sides are still expected to return to the High Court next week as a formality, and any decision is ultimately made by Mr Justice Norris, but this deal should remove any doubt that Portsmouth will be wound up this season.

Andronikou has offered assurances to Portsmouth supporters that owner Balu Chainrai has guaranteed ₤15m to keep the club alive for the rest of the season.

Andronikou revealed two interested parties had already shown proof of funds over a potential takeover.

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