Portsmouth FC fails to block winding-up order

Portsmouth FC could be the first Premier League football club to enter administration after failing to stop a winding-up petition from the taxman.

HM Revenue & Customs applied for the petition against last month, but the club argued that the VAT part of its tax bill was too high. However, a High Court judge dismissed the case, the BBC reported today.

A spokesperson for the Judicial Communications Office said: “At the High Court today Mr Justice Newey dismissed an application from Portsmouth City (sic) Football Club Limited for a winding-up petition to be struck out. A further hearing to consider HMRC's winding-up petition will take place in due course.”

Currently bottom of the Premier League, Portsmouth would face a nine-point deduction if they enter administration.