Portsmouth court tax challenge fails

Premier League crisis club Portsmouth moved nearer administration on Tuesday when their bid to have a winding up petition from British tax authorities struck out was rejected by a judge.

Cash-strapped Portsmouth had argued the Value Added Tax (VAT) portion of its huge tax bill was too high by as much as 7.5 million pounds.

But Judge Guy Newey found against Portsmouth at London’s High Court and in favour of tax collectors Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

A court spokesman said: “At the High Court today (Tuesday) Mr Justice Newey dismissed an application from Portsmouth Football Club Limited for a winding up petition to be struck out.

“A further hearing to consider HMRC’s winding up petition will take place in due course.”

That hearing is now expected on February 10, and the outcome could send bottom-of-the table Pompey a step closer to becoming the first Premier League club to enter administration.