Bolton Wanderers FC Handed Winding Up Petition by HMRC

Bolton Wanderers have confirmed they have been issued with a winding-up petition from HMRC over an unpaid £600,000 tax bill. HMRC have rejected requests from the English second-tier side to delay action in a bid to conclude a takeover or raise additional funds. 

Expected Winding Up Petition Served by HMRC

The Trotters, who are currently slumped at the foot of the English SkyBet Championship, have debts totalling £170m and haven’t paid their players since October after owner, Eddie Davies withdrew his financial backing. The club have been in discussions with a number of parties since drafting in financial advisor Trevor Birch last month, including a consortium headed by former striker Dean Holdsworth, which has financial support from boxer Amir Khan.

A reported official statement from Bolton reads:

“Bolton Wanderers can confirm that the club has now received a winding up petition from HMRC in respect of unpaid PAYE and VAT for the month of November. Despite requests from the club to HMRC to give it further time to either conclude a sale or raise additional funds, HMRC has proceeded with due process and duly served a petition.”