Coronavirus: Rhyl FC to become first club closed down due to financial pressure of pandemic
Wednesday 22 April 2020 14:20, UK
Two-time Welsh champions Rhyl FC are set to become the first club to close down as a result of financial pressures of the coronavirus pandemic.
The club, founded originally in 1878, has begun the process of a formal winding-up order following a decision by the board of directors to cease all activity.
In a statement on Tuesday, the club blamed the "unprecedented impact of COVID-19, the unwillingness of the ground's owner to consider either a long lease or sale on market terms and the ongoing fixed costs with no income prospects" due to football's ongoing shutdown.
Rhyl confirmed they had been offered a "small loan" from the Football Association of Wales but, with many other clubs across Wales expected to face similar financial difficulties in the coming months, Rhyl said "the Welsh FA expressed that they were not in a position to support the club outright".
Rhyl chief executive Adam Roche told Sky Sports News: "We have got a proud history, a great following and have had some fantastic success over the years.
"Over the last month, whether you're on the board making these kind of horrendous decisions, or the coaches and the players, the response has been phenomenal.
"It's been hugely emotional and difficult the last month and the last 12 hours have been arguably the worst of I've had since being at the club."
Rhyl won the Welsh Premier League title in 2004 and 2009, earning them a Champions League qualification spot, but currently play in the second-tier Cymru North.
