Worcester Warriors finally release statement over administration rumours
WORCESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: A general view of the ground before the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Worcester Warriors and Newcastle Falcons at Sixways Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Worcester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Herbert/Getty Images)
Worcester Warriors’ owners have released long-awaited a statement, after a day filled with speculation regarding the future of their club.
The statement did not deny any of the financial issues that have been reported in various media outlets and across social media over the past couple of days, but once again tried to reassure fans that the club still had options, in a similar tone to one released four days ago.
There was also no mention as to the reasons behind the club’s car park being purchased for just £50,000 by another business, owned by owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, Mq Property Ltd.
The statement read: “There has been much speculation and rumour circulating in the media and among our supporters about the future of Worcester Warriors.
“Over the past week a lot of work has been done away from the media spotlight to try to navigate the club through the challenges that we currently face.
“That work continues, discussions are ongoing and we are reviewing the options available to the club.
“We continue to work closely with HMRC, Premiership Rugby, the RFU and DCMS to find the best solution to the situation. We are very grateful for the support these organisations have shown to the club.
“We are now working through a number of options with our advisors. These include solutions for keeping rugby at Sixways and we will communicate further as soon as a decision has been finalised.
“We are grateful to our staff, supporters, partners, sponsors and suppliers for their commitment, loyalty and support during what has been a difficult period for all involved in the club.
“We also greatly appreciate the messages of concern and support that we have received from across the rugby world and the wider sporting community.”
The Rugby Paper yesterday reported that Warriors had an unpaid tax bill of £6 million, and unless a deal can be reached on the initial payment, said to be around £300,000, HMRC will seek a liquidation hearing.
It comes alongside the news that Wasps‘ accounts show net liabilities of £54.7 million, with one source stating that Worcester and Wasps are not the only Premiership clubs who are in the sights of HMRC.
“There are at least two more clubs, one in the North and another in the West Country who are being looked at very closely,” the source said.
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