Portsmouth go into administration

Published: 17 Feb 2012 - 11:46:57

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Portsmouth went into administration on Friday for the second time in two years, leaving the former Premier League club facing a battle against relegation with a hefty points deduction looming.

A High Court hearing in London confirmed Portsmouth had gone into administration at 1115GMT, a development which brings with it an automatic 10-point penalty from Football League chiefs.

However, Pompey may face an even bigger points deduction given it is the second time in as many years that the cash-strapped south coast club have gone into administration.

Portsmouth face a winding-up hearing next week over an unpaid tax bill, while players and staff at the club have not been paid since January. The club's debts have been estimated at around £4 million ($6.3m).

Before Friday's hearing, Portsmouth were languishing in 18th place in the Championship, but the 10-point penalty would see them drop to 21st place, just outside the relegation zone ahead of Coventry City on goal difference.