Winding Up Order Issued At Pompey

Portsmouth Football Club has been issued with a winding-up petition by HM Revenue & Customs, Sportspeak has learned. The petition was presented on 23 December, but a full court hearing will not take place until February. If the club is unable to strengthen its financial position by then, the club could be declared bankrupt.

Portsmouth has been the subject of much takeover speculation and has been unable to pay some player wages on time in recent weeks. The club currently lies bottom of the Premier League and has recently appointed ex-Chelsea manager Avram Grant to try to revive its fortunes on the pitch. Dubai businessman Suleiman al-Fahim bought the club in August, having initially agreed a deal in May. But after questions were raised about Mr al-Fahim’s finances, he then sold on a 90% stake in the club to Saudi property tycoon Ali al-Faraj. Despite promises of significant investment from its new owner, the club remains in financial difficulties. It has even been banned from buying any new players until it pays off debts owed to other English clubs.

Portsmouth said it would be issuing a statement shortly. Under manager Harry Redknapp, Portsmouth won the FA Cup in 2008. However, since Mr Redknapp left for Tottenham Hotspur, the club’s fortunes have been in decline. It has sold many of its cup-winning team, some of which have moved to Spurs to rejoin Mr Redknapp.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.