Source: Daily_Mail
Portsmouth boosted as HMRC drop challenge to club's administrator
Portsmouth's hopes of survival were today given a major boost when Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs accepted the club's move into administration. [LNB]Pompey escaped being wound up after HMRC abandoned their claim that Pompey owner Balram Chainrai did not have the legal right to put the club into administration. [LNB]A spokesman for the club said: 'The Revenue has accepted the administration is valid.'[LNB] No problem: Portsmouth FC administrator Andrew Andonikou[LNB]Portsmouth now face a nine-point deduction from the Barclays Premier League for entering into administration.[LNB]HMRC's decision to drop their case was just the boost Portsmouth had been looking for after slashing 85 Fratton Park jobs yesterday. [LNB]Some members of manager Avram Grant's backroom staff were included in the cull, although none of them were high-profile.[LNB]Hopes: Portsmouth fans[LNB]But Pompey administrator Andrew Andronikou has promised fans that no players will be moved on ahead of the FA Cup semi-final. [LNB]Players cannot be made redundant due to protection afforded to them by the Professional Footballers' Association. But the cancellation of loan agreements to save on wages is a consideration, with Pompey having six temporary signings on their books. [LNB] However, with their FA Cup semi-final against Fulham or Tottenham looming, Andronikou pledged no players will be leaving the club before the Wembley showdown. [LNB]'Selling players is an option but first I need to broach the subject with the Premier League,' said Andronikou. 'I need their concession. As an alternative from looking at the Premier League advancing TV money, I suggested to them to possibly open the window to allow me to sell two players on a loan-back. [LNB]'It's one of those subjects we need to discuss further with the Premier League. However, I will not be looking to sell players before the semi-final and I will not be looking to cancel loan agreements before the semi-final. [LNB]'The minute I start tinkering with the football part it will be a big mistake. I can promise I will leave that until after the semi-final. The players are very much protected by the PFA and unfortunately I am unable to make any cuts in the playing staff. They are very much the shop window of the club so instead I hope they can attract a buyer to this club.' [LNB] I'll get my money back, insists Pompey owner Chainrai despite £80m debtAvram Grants tells Premier League to deduct points from Pompey now or not at allAnger as Storrie survives Portsmouth purge: 85 jobs go at Fratton ParkPORTSMOUTH FC
