Source: FOOTYMAD
HMRC Challenge Voluntary Administration
Pompey back in court tomorrow for hearing. Portsmouth FC will be back in court tomorrow morning after HMRC challenged the decision to take voluntary administration.Administrator Andrew Andronikou has confirmed that Pompey will return to court for a 10:30am hearing where HMRC will look to have the club wound up after arguing that the club should not be allowed to have gone into administration to avoid the initial winding up order.Grosvenor Basingstoke Properties Ltd are also challenging the move, but the main problem are HMRC who are taking an extremely aggressive stance on the situation and are desperate to see Pompey go bust as a warning to other clubs who don't pay their taxes on time.They're still bitter that they aren't a preferred creditor and whilst I don't disagree that Pompey should have paid them on time and should seek to satisfy the bill sooner rather than later, I think it's cruel that HMRC can disregard the feelings of many Pompey fans who have supported this club for years just for the sake of making an example.Andronikou says that the hearing is to show the court that the debenture is valid. He is calm about the situation and expects the administration to be processed.Experts say that HMRC's challenge is highly unusual and that Tuesday will not be the day that Portsmouth FC get wound up. There is a possibility that a new winding-up order date will be set but it is just as likely that the court will throw out HMRC's claim altogether.The Premier League has postponed the meeting with administrator regarding the possibility of the 9 point deduction being waivered because of tomorrow's hearing.But Victor Cattermole is still interested in buying the club and say the situation "isn't as bad as suggested". Phil Hall, Pompey's spokesman, has said that the club are still waiting for a legitimate proof of funds from Cattermole and co.So, just a normal day in the life of Portsmouth Football Club then!
